Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
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The Departments of Public Works and Finance request approval to hold public hearings in anticipation of a future request for approval to authorize increases in water and sewer rates, fees and charges by five percent (5%) for the next three years effective January 1, 2023. The increases in rates are necessary to complete the projects included in the 2023-2026 Water and Wastewater Capital Improvements Program and South Fulton Wastewater Capacity Study. (APPROVED)
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
In accordance with the State of Georgia statue (O.C.G.A. Section 36-81-5) and the County budget ordinance, it is required that a public hearing be conducted on the proposed budget at least one week prior to the meeting on final adoption of the budget, at which time any person wishing to speak on the budget may be heard.
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 (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
Scope of Work: On September 9, 2019, the BOC approved a three-year water and sewer rate increase of 5% per year, for the years of 2020, 2021, and 2022, to begin funding the 2020-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) (BOC Agenda #19-0695). This increase was necessary to fund projects in the CIP, including the debt service associated with the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility expansion.
Other projects completed through the 2019 increase include the Big Creek-Cobb County Diversion project, repairs to the Camp Creek clarifiers, the replacement of the Camp Creek Ultra-Violet Disinfection system, and the design and pending construction of the Atlanta-Newnan Road lift station and force main.
On February 17, 2021, the BOC received the South Fulton Wastewater Capacity Study (BOC Agenda #21-0143). The study focused on the anticipated growth of the South Fulton County area and the improvements necessary to serve this growth. The recommended improvements included increased capacities of existing sanitary sewer lift stations and conveyance sewer mains as well as new lift stations and associated force mains. Some key improvements include the moderation and capacity increases at the Camp Creek and Ono Road lift stations and new lift stations to serve the new developments in the Campbellton area and along South Fulton Parkway. The Study also recommended that the Camp Creek facility be expanded to 40 MGD from its current 24 MGD capacity around 2030, depending on actual growth patterns.
Based on the recent financial analysis of the water and sewer fund, Fulton County must provide additional funding for the identified capital improvements. The Departments of Public Works and Finance request approval to hold public hearings in anticipation of a resolution to authorize changes to the water and sewer rates, fees and charges proposed to go into effect on January 1, 2023, pending future Board of Commissioners review and approval. Any changes in water and sewer rates, fees and charges will be set in order to complete the projects identified in the current CIP and South Fulton Wastewater Capacity Study. Public Works anticipates holding two public hearings, one for North Fulton Customers and one for South Fulton customers, in July 2022. After these public hearings, Public Works and Finance will present our final recommendations to the BOC at their August 3, 2022 meeting.
Community Impact: The public hearings would be held in order to receive input regarding our proposed changes to the current water and sewer rate structure.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of the request to hold the public hearings.
Project Implications: Without the public hearings, the County will not be able to adjust the water and sewer rates. Without an increase in rates, the projects identified in the CIP and South Fulton Wastewater Capacity Study will be delayed.
Community Issues/Concerns: No issues or concerns have been raised by constituents or the community concerning this agenda item. Public Works will be receiving and responding to all issues and concerns that are raised during the public hearings.
Department Issues/Concerns: The Departments of Public Works and Finance do not see any issues with holding these public hearings.