Montgomery County to raise water, sewer rates by 5% each year through 2030

“We really haven’t had a rate increase since 2022,” Hilliard said. “Even with these increases, our rates have risen slower than other, nearby areas.”

The Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-to-1 this week to approve the rate hikes. Commissioner Mary McDonald, the sole Republican on the commission, said she voted against the adjustments because of concerns about economic hardship.

“Families in Montgomery County are already feeling the squeeze from every direction, higher electric and gas bills, increased insurance costs and rising prices at the grocery store,” McDonald said in a prepared statement. “At a time when so many of our residents are struggling just to keep up, I cannot in good conscience support another increase to a basic necessity like water.”

For the average household, quarterly water utility charges are expected to increase from about $98.40 this year to $104.40 next year, while sewer charges are expected to increase from $113.30 to $117.85.

Combined quarterly charges for these utilities are expected to increase by about $10.50 next year; $11.10 in 2027; $11.65 in 2028; $12.30 in 2029; and $12.90 in 2030.

The rate increases will help fund $248 million in important infrastructure improvements over the next five years, said Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert.

Colbert said other utility charges across the region are going up 9% to 15%, but the county has tried to minimize cost hikes.

“We have one of the largest utilities in the area, and we’re looking at over 2,600 miles of combined sewer and water pipe. We purchase and we have about 28 million gallons of water,” he said. “So when you look at a system of this size — to maintain it, and keep it up — you had to have some dollars, and we haven’t had an increase since 2022."

Dayton’s water costs have increased 50% since 2018, and Dayton sewer costs have gone up 31% in the last five years, county officials said.

Officials say water infrastructure upgrades can help prevent expensive water line breaks. The county had nearly 400 breaks last year that cost the county more than $5 million to repair.

Hilliard said replacing one mile of 8-inch water main costs around $1.5 million. The county has invested more than $205 million into the water and sewer systems since 2018.

Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice said the smart thing to do is invest in the system before troubles arise.

“We’re not waiting until stuff breaks,” she said.

About 80% of the county’s pipe system was installed at least three decades ago, officials said, and a significant share of underground infrastructure is between 80 to 105 years old.

Combined, the county’s water and sewer charges are expected to generate more than $104 million in revenue next year.

Commissioner McDonald, who was elected to the commission last fall, said she is concerned about the timing of the rate increases, given challenging economic conditions.

“I fully understand the importance of investing in our water and sewer systems, and I am committed to a balanced approach that protects both our infrastructure and our residents,” she said in a statement. “We have to be honest about the long-term costs of maintaining these systems, but we must also be sensitive to the economic reality our citizens are living in today.”

Montgomery County water and sewer customer accounts by type

SOURCE: Montgomery County