Charlotte Residents May Face Increased Water and Stormwater Fees

News Summary

Residents in Charlotte may soon see an increase in their water and stormwater fees, with proposed hikes between 5.75% and 7% for water services and 4% to 6.65% for stormwater. City officials assert that these changes aim to support routine maintenance and manage rising project costs. The upcoming budget proposal in May will finalize these increases, impacting around 90% of homeowners and approximately 79% of water customers, with average monthly bills expected to rise accordingly.

Charlotte Residents May Face Increased Water and Stormwater Fees This Summer

Big changes could be on the horizon for water and stormwater fees in Charlotte. Starting this summer, residents might see their bills tick up as Charlotte Water considers a proposed fee increase of 5.75% to 7% for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. If that wasn’t enough, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is also in the mix, suggesting a fee increase of 4% to 6.65%. What does this mean for your wallet? Let’s break it down.

What’s Behind the Proposed Increases?

The proposed hikes are primarily aimed at covering routine maintenance, supporting system growth, and addressing rising project costs. It sounds a bit dry, but these increases are essential for keeping the city’s water systems running smoothly.

City staff have mentioned that, if the highest increases are approved, around 90% of homeowners may see a rise of just $1 or less in stormwater fees each month. Meanwhile, approximately 79% of water customers could pay an additional $5.63 or less if the largest increases go through. Not too devastating, but it’s still money out of pocket that residents will have to account for.

Consistency with Previous Fee Adjustments

Interestingly enough, these proposed increases are in line with similar adjustments made in previous years. The additional revenue from these fees is crucial for maintaining the departments’ credit ratings and allowing them to take on debt for future projects. So, it’s more than just a bump in your bill; it’s about sustainability and reliability of vital services.

What to Expect in May

Mark your calendars because City Manager Marcus Jones will be the one to finalize the fee increases that make it into the proposed budget, which is set to be released in May. It’s crucial to stay updated as residents will receive all the final decision details at that time. And good news for everyone is that city staff have indicated they do not plan to increase property taxes in the upcoming budget.

Why These Services Matter

It’s no secret that water and stormwater services are crucial for day-to-day living in any city—don’t forget about drinking water, wastewater management, and ensuring that drainage systems effectively manage stormwater. However, Charlotte has faced its share of financial headaches lately. An investigation revealed that Charlotte Water overspent in recent years, prompting budget cuts exceeding $100 million.

Somewhat alarmingly, the proposed rate increase is higher than in previous years, with average charges expected to rise by an average of $4.37 to $4.55 a month for customers. Budget constraints have already led to the delaying or pausing of several major projects, and since 2021, Charlotte Water has overspent on long-term projects by a staggering $168 million.

The Impact of Lawsuits

Adding to the complexity, the city recently settled two lawsuits related to system development fees charged to developers and builders, for a total of $106 million. Residents can expect a minor increase of $0.06 per month in water bills as a result of these settlements. The great news is that property taxes are not expected to be influenced by either the proposed fee increases or the recent lawsuit settlements.

What’s Next?

As we approach the budget proposal announcement in May, stay tuned and prepared for potential changes to your water and stormwater fees. While nobody loves the idea of increased bills, these adjustments are vital for ensuring that Charlotte’s water systems can continue to run efficiently and reliably. After all, clean water and effective drainage are essentials for a thriving community.

Keep your eye on the latest updates, and let’s hope for the best as we navigate these potential changes together!

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Additional Resources

• WSOC TV: Charlotte Residents May Face Increased Water and Stormwater Fees
• Charlotte Observer: Proposed Fee Increases for Water and Stormwater Services
• WCNC: Charlotte Water Overspent and Proposed Rate Increase
• Google Search: Charlotte Water Services
• WSOC TV: City Settles Lawsuits Impacting Water Fees
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Management