The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has voted to raise water and sewer rates by 10% annually over the next decade, starting July 1. The increase was approved with a 5-2 vote, impacting residents' monthly bills.
According to the Atlanta News First, the plan will gradually raise the average monthly bill, currently at $69.51 for 4,000 gallons of water and sewer services, to about $180 by 2034. The commissioners aim to address the aging infrastructure, which has caused multiple water main breaks and is under federal scrutiny. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, "The future of DeKalb County depends on adequate infrastructure investments, and today, the Board of Commissioners approved the largest commitment in our history to ensure clean, reliable water and sewer services for generations to come."
The rate increases are expected to generate $4.2 billion over the course of the hike, funding water and sewer infrastructure improvements. The increases also aim to help the county avoid up to $100 million in fines related to a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division. Commissioner Chakira Johnson told the Atlanta News First, "This is big for DeKalb County because we have been kicking, our predecessors have been kicking the can down the road for way too long."
Efforts will be made to provide relief for low and fixed-income residents. Commissioners plan to assist seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income residents with the financial impact of the increases, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Commissioner Ted Terry mentioned that the legislation includes protections against water shutoffs and discount options. Kat Maddox from DeKalb Water Watch expressed hope that the decision would strengthen the relationship between residents and the administration.
