‘Definition of good government’: Why York County will save on this basic need in 2020
York County didn’t technically lower water and sewer rates. However, taxpayers will get a break on them.
On Dec. 2, York County Council voted to suspend a new rate schedule the same group passed two years ago this month. It set annual water and sewer increases through 2026 to pay for a host of infrastructure needs related to serving customers countywide.
The plan was to implement yearly increases rather than hitting customers with a huge lump sum change at one time. Another increase of 8.5% for water and 12.5% for sewer was coming for 2020.
Now there’s a new plan.
“That’s what was scheduled because we’re in the process of rebuilding that entire system,” said Chairman Michael Johnson. “You will now, not see that.”
The increase schedule came from a system-wide study to determine then present and coming needs. County staff evaluated actual water and sewer costs in comparison with the study and approved schedule. Staff found less capital expense money was needed than had been projected, and decided the 2020 increases aren’t necessary.
The full rate schedule now is suspended until further evaluation determines higher costs are needed.
“I want to thank staff for looking out for the citizens and taxpayers,” said Councilman Britt Blackwell. “If you find that we don’t need the added money and we can keep it in their pocket, that’s a great thing.”
Existing rates will stay in place. Rates vary by residential or business use, base rate or by consumption charges, even meter size. The typical per 1,000 gallon charges for residential customers is $5.15 for water and $6.54 for sewer.
York County water and sewer rates impact direct county customers, but also users further down the line like Blue Granite Water Company serving Lake Wylie. York County is involved with production, treatment, storage, transmission, distribution and delivery of water to homes, businesses and wholesale customers.
York County gets its water from Rock Hill, which the city draws from Lake Wylie.
While it may seem obvious not to charge residents more than what is needed for a public utility, finding the savings to prevent the planned increase is a sign of government doing its job, Johnson said.
“We have the money,” he said. “We do not need more of your money. You can often criticize county government for a lot of things, but that’s the definition of good government. They realize they have enough of your money and they’re going to not ask you for more.”
