Cobb County Board of Commissioners Approves Water Rate Increases Amid Concerns

Despite vocal opposition from Cobb County residents, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted on Tuesday to approve an 18% increase in water and sewer rates over the next five years, with the first increases set to take effect on April 1. In justifying her decision, which runs counter to the wishes of many citizens, Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said, “We’ve had to make this decision now.”

However, there is at least one dissenting voice in the county government. Republican Commissioner JoAnn Birrell cast the lone vote against the increases, citing concerns over the county’s practice of transferring a portion of water revenue to the general fund. Birrell has long opposed this practice, which last year saw a 5% revenue transfer—a number that is gradually decreasing by 1% annually.

The new rate structure will result in an average increase of $1.90 per month for the average residential customer. Starting on April 1, water charges will rise by 2.5% and sewer charges will go up by 3.5%. Starting January 1, 2025, both fees will increase by 3.5% annually through 2029. The total monthly bill for the average residential customer, who uses about 5,000 gallons of water, will increase by an average of 2.8% next year.

County officials argue that the rate hikes are necessary to fund several large wastewater treatment projects, as well as upgrades to the water and stormwater systems. Additionally, the hikes will help offset higher rates charged by the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority.

This increase follows previous rate hikes in 2023, when water rates rose by 7.5% and sewer rates by 8.5%. The county is also facing higher costs for chemical and biosolid disposal, as well as wholesale water purchases, which are set to increase by 4% next year.

Citizens have been vocal in demanding better management from Cupid and county staff, expressing frustration over the continuing rate hikes.

In contrast, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners delayed a vote on a much steeper proposed water and sewer rate increase, with a decision now expected in late January.