Why Charlotte may charge more in fees for water, storm water services later this year
Charlotte residents may pay more for water and storm water services starting this summer.
Charlotte Water and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services announced possible fee increases for the new fiscal year that starts July 1 during a Monday presentation to the City Council’s budget committee. Charlotte Water manages drinking water and wastewater in Mecklenburg, and Storm Water Services handles drainage systems and streams.
Storm Water Services plans a fee increase of 4% to 6.65% in the 2025-26 fiscal year, director Mike Davis said. Charlotte Water plans a 5.75 to 7% fee increase, according to director Angela Charles.
If the city goes with the biggest increases on the table, 90% of homeowners would pay $1 or less more in storm water fees a month, and 79% of water customers would pay an additional $5.63 or less in water fees a month.
The proposed rates are similar to other fee increases in recent years.
The fee increases would help pay for routine and preventative maintenance, system growth and rising project costs in addition to preserving the departments’ credit ratings and ability to take on more debt for future projects, staff said.
Water and Storm Water staff noted City Manager Marcus Jones will decide how much of a fee increase to include in his proposed city budget, scheduled to be released in May.
City staff previously told council members they’re not planning for a property tax increase in the upcoming budget.
