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Houston County approves water‑rate increases, ties future hikes to WST CPI
Summary
The Board approved a three‑year schedule of water rate adjustments to address a FY24 operating loss, and set future annual increases to match 100% of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' WST CPI effective July 1 or the first billing cycle of that month.
The Houston County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 approved adjusting Water Department rates to address an operating loss identified in the FY24 audit and to ensure the fund's fiscal stability.
Chairman Perdue summarized the audit finding that the Water Fund experienced an operating loss for FY24 and explained the proposed breakdown of residential, public and commercial rates and the timeline for implementation. Commissioner Byrd moved the measure and Commissioner Talton seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The resolution approved an initial set of rate adjustments and a policy that, after three years, future annual increases will equal 100% of the Consumer Price Index for Water, Sewer, and Trash (WST CPI), December‑to‑December change, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; adjustments will take effect July 1 or the first billing cycle in that month. Meter tap fees and hydrant meter costs will be reviewed annually to reflect actual service costs.
During the public comment period, Thomas Reynolds opposed the water increase and linked the change to broader concerns about property taxes and garbage fees. Commissioners defended the action as a necessary catch‑up to maintain service and system reliability, with Commissioner Talton saying the county is “playing catch‑up” and Commissioner Gottwals calling the increase minimal given the level of service provided.
No dissenting vote was recorded; the board approved the measure unanimously.
