Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval of a Resolution that will authorize an increase of five percent (5%) to the water and sewer volumetric rate increase for each of the next two (2) years; to make the necessary increases to the water and sewer fee schedules; to approve modifications to the water connection fees for North Fulton; to provide for an effective date; and for other purposes which are necessary to complete the projects included in the 2025 Water Masterplan and the Public Works Capital Improvement Program. (APPROVED)
body
Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
Pursuant to the Supplementary Powers provision of the Article 9, Section 2, ¶ III of the Constitution of the State of Georgia, Fulton County is delegated the authority to provide sewer and water services. The County’s authority to “prescribe, revise, and collect rates, fees, tolls, or charges for the services” is set out in O.C.G.A. § 36-82-62. The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (“MNGWPD”) recommends to local governments in its Wastewater and Water Management Plans that “water rates should be based on a local rate study and designed to provide a sufficient revenue to support program costs and facility maintenance.” Wastewater Management Plan, May 2009, at 12-8; Water Supply and Water Conservation Management Plan, May 2009, at 13-8; Policy and Procedure 600-69.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☐
District 1 ☒
District 2 ☒
District 3 ☒
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☒
District 6 ☒
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background: With previous rate study recommendations expiring at the end of FY2025, the Public Works Department undertook a new rate study to better understand the financial implications associated with funding the current Capital Improvement Program based on the recommended projects contained in the North Fulton Water Masterplan and South Fulton Wastewater Capacity Study. Both studies identified future needs for both the North Fulton water distribution system and the sanitary sewer systems in South Fulton County.
The Public Works Department hosted three separate public forums where customers and the general public could interact with County personnel leading the study and get more details associated with the Department’s recommendation. The 1st meeting was conducted on Monday July 28th at the South Fulton County Service Center located at 5600 Stonewall Tel Road. The 2nd Meeting was held on Tuesday July 29th at the North Fulton County Service Center located at 11575 Maxwell Road. The 3rd meeting was a virtually held meeting conducted on August 7th. All of these meetings were held between 5:30PM and 7:30PM. Questions from the public were generally centered around specific projects planned in the coming years.
Scope of Work: In 2024, the Fulton County Public Works Department partnered with Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood to assess both current and future financial needs, guided by projects identified in the Capital Improvement Program and the North Fulton Water Master Plan. In collaboration with the Finance Department, the Public Works team developed a comprehensive roadmap to fund critical infrastructure projects required to support continued growth and maintain expected service levels throughout the service areas of North and South Fulton County. This roadmap was developed in alignment with departmental requirements and operational constraints. As part of this effort, the team built a robust financial model that incorporated key considerations such as historical data analysis, debt ratio and financing requirements, operational forecasting, and anticipated capital needs. One notable consideration is the necessary expansion of the Camp Creek Water Reclamation Facility from a treatment capacity upgrade, which will need to occur in the near future based on current flow trends.
Community Impact: The proposed changes to the rate structure would increase rates and strategically position the Public Works Department to fund near term capital improvement projects. Approval of this agenda item will provide allow the Public Works Department to adjust rates accordingly beginning January 1st, 2026 and January 1st, 2027.
Department Recommendation: The Public Works Department recommends approval of this Item.
Project Implications: The recommendation to raise the volumetric rate is required give the Public Works Department the ability to complete projects identified within the current capital improvement project list and Water Masterplan.
Community Issues/Concerns: The majority of community concerns focused on which specific projects would be supported by the additional funding. While some residents voiced apprehension about potential rate increases, the County was able to demonstrate that the proposed rate structure remains consistent with those of other metro Atlanta utilities.
Department Issues/Concerns: No issues or concerns have been noted by the Public Works Department.
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
n/a