DeKalb County BOC to host Nov. 12 town hall on proposed water + sewer rate increase

DEKALB COUNTY, GA.–The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host a town hall meeting to address the county’s proposed water and sewer rate hike. 

The in-person meeting, open to residents and businesses, will be held on Nov. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 178 Sams St., Decatur. 

The meeting also will be simulcast via Zoom for virtual attendance and will provide critical information and an opportunity for public questions on DeKalb’s proposed water and sewer rate increase. 

In June, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond appealed to the Board of Commissioners to increase water and sewer rates to invest in the aging Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant and its sewer system.

“We have a three- to five-year window to make major investments in Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant, or else we risk a catastrophic failure,” Thurmond told the board. “If this plant stops pumping fresh water, there are no other options. It is the only plant that we have. So I ask as the CEO, but I beg you as a private citizen, let’s have the courage of Scott Candler(the late commissioner who is credited with the establishment of DeKalb County’s drinking water system in 1942 despite opposition).”

The proposed rate hike includes an annual 6% increase over the next three years. The investments are expected to bring in $107 million that would go toward purchasing over $200 million in bonds to continue work on the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant, the county’s only source of fresh, potable water. 

“This is an important discussion that affects all of us in DeKalb,” said Commissioner Robert Patrick, who chairs the Board of Commissioners Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. “Our residents and business owners deserve the latest information about how these proposed rate changes will impact the future of our infrastructure and our ability to maintain safe, efficient services.”

DeKalb County Chief Operating Officer Zachary L. Williams, Chief Financial Officer Dianne McNabb, and Director of Consent Decree and Environmental Compliance Maria Houser will discuss the proposed rate adjustments’ rationale, long-term benefits, and role in maintaining regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. 

Attendees also will hear from the PWI Committee about the upcoming vote on the rate increase, which is on the Board of Commissioners’ regular business meeting agenda for Nov. 19.

“Our goal is to ensure every question and concern is addressed to the best of our ability,” Commissioner Patrick emphasized.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for in-person participation, and early arrival is highly recommended due to limited space. Comment cards will be available onsite for those with specific questions, while virtual participants may submit questions through the Zoom chat. 

To join the townhall via Zoom, click https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/81398350466?pwd=nIic8fmUIlAiVjSyPS9qz2m607CpCm.1  and use passcode 744598.