In a decisive move for DeKalb County's future, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has championed an unprecedented $4.27 billion infrastructure plan to overhaul the County's water and sewer systems. This investment, approved by the Board of Commissioners, is heralded as the largest in DeKalb's history and aims to propel the county's infrastructure grading from a woeful 'F' to a more stable 'C', according to a statement from DeKalb County.
Securing the approval in less than 60 days into her term, Cochran-Johnson outlined a "10 x 10" strategy involving 10 percent annual water and sewer rate hikes over the next decade, a move deemed necessary despite being typically unwelcome among ratepayers. As reported by DeKalb County, the CEO framed the issue as one of urgency, stating, "No one likes rate increases, but the cost of inaction is far greater. Our economic future, our ability to attract businesses, and the well-being of every resident depend on these upgrades."
The financial boon from increasing rates stands to fund critical repairs, aid in the expansion of essential services to meet demand, and ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations. In practice, the plan targets a thorough rehabilitation of DeKalb's singular, aging water treatment facility that's due for an upgrade after 15 years of wear, and the creation of over 6,400 jobs is anticipated as a direct result of this infrastructural pivot, reinforcing the county's economic skeleton.
Tackling the imminent risk of system failures in a network where 40% is poised to exceed 70 years of service by 2030, the effort also aims to prevent outages and contamination threats that could command exorbitant emergency repair costs and jeopardize public health. This aspect, outlined by DeKalb County's statement, is grounded in proactive thinking, prioritizing preemptive action over costly reactive measures.
Effectuating this monumental plan is Reggie Wells, a name with a track record in the realm of watershed management. Wells returns to DeKalb fortified by his previous experience aiding the City of Atlanta through crucial years of its own Consent Decree undertakings. With an appointee like Wells at the helm, eyes are on CEO Cochran-Johnson's selection for leadership, as she declared, "This is our moment to secure a better future for DeKalb County. I am prepared to make the tough decisions necessary to protect our residents, create economic opportunities, and ensure we leave a legacy of strong infrastructure for the next generation," through the County's channels.
