News Summary

On May 12, the Aiken City Council will consider proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and stormwater services impacting both in-city and out-of-city customers. If approved, residential and commercial utility bills may rise, with annual increases anticipated to fund critical city projects and address debt obligations related to water treatment. The meeting will also cover stormwater fees, with plans to support capital projects like Hitchcock Woods. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their views on the proposed changes.

Aiken City Council to Consider Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Increases on May 12

Aiken residents may soon see an increase in their utility bills as the Aiken City Council is set to discuss proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and stormwater services during a meeting on May 12 at 7 p.m. in Room 309 of the Municipal Building. If approved, these adjustments could impact residential and commercial customers both within and outside the city limits.

The proposed changes include a 7.73% increase in the base charge for in-city water customers, which would rise from $21.21 to $22.85 per month. For out-of-city customers, the base charge would increase from $42.40 to $45.70 monthly. Customers with one-inch meters in-city would experience an increase from $53.01 to $57.12, while out-of-city customers would see their charges increase from $106.01 to $114.25.

For residential in-city customers, the current charge of $1.54 per 100 cubic feet for the first 500 cubic feet of water would rise to $1.66. For residential out-of-city customers, the rate would increase from $3.08 to $3.33 per 100 cubic feet. Additionally, rates for higher usage tiers for residential in-city customers will also see changes, increasing to $2.09 per 100 cubic feet for usage between 500 and 2,500 cubic feet.

Commercial in-city customers currently paying $1.94 for the first 100,000 cubic feet would see their rate increase to $2.09 per 100 cubic feet as well. Furthermore, sewer charges for in-city customers are set to increase from $3.67 to $3.96 per 100 cubic feet, while out-of-city customers would see their rates rise from $7.34 to $7.93.

The city manager has indicated that the average residential customer using 800 cubic feet of water and sewer per month would observe a $5.01 increase in their utility bill, while those using 200 cubic feet would see an increase of $2.46.

The motive behind these proposed rate increases is to fund critical city projects, cover debt obligations related to a new water treatment plant, and manage rising costs associated with the Horse Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. According to a recent city study, similar percentage increases could be anticipated over the next three years. Previous rate hikes included increases of 7% in both 2024 and 2023, with annual increases ranging between 5% and 7% since 2020.

Stormwater Fees

In addition to water and sewer rates, the city’s stormwater fee, calculated based on property size through an equivalent residential unit (ERU) basis, is also proposed to increase from $7.90 per ERU to $9.09. The revenue generated from the stormwater fees will be allocated to support important capital projects and debt repayments, such as those related to the Hitchcock Woods project.

City Council Meeting Details

Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming council meeting to express their opinions regarding the proposed increases. Parking is available near the Municipal Building for attendees. If the council approves the first reading of the ordinances, a second reading could take place during a subsequent meeting on June 10.

In summary, Aiken residents may soon face higher utility bills due to proposed increases in water, sewer, and stormwater services that are scheduled for discussion at the city council meeting. With the proposed adjustments intended to fund essential city projects and address debt issues, residents are advised to stay informed about the developments surrounding these rate changes.

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Aiken City Council to Discuss Proposed Utility Rate Increases