MetCom proposes increase to sewer charges in St. Mary's

The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission presented a review of its ongoing projects and proposed sewer and water rate increases during Tuesday’s county commissioners’ meeting.

The recommended fiscal 2025 capital improvement budget reflects a $1.66 million decrease for water projects and a $2.08 million decrease for sewer projects compared to what was proposed in the fiscal 2024 capital plan for fiscal 2025.

MetCom’s audited fiscal 2023 outstanding debt was about $91 million with an anticipated end of fiscal 2024 debt of $123 million, both of which are well below legislated thresholds.

“Over the course of the next six years there’s $100 million in projects listed in our capital budget,” Executive Director George A. Erichsen said, “so we need to roll those out affordably.”

There are seven water line projects, two water storage tanks, one well and six other miscellaneous projects. A total of $1.6 million is proposed to be spent in fiscal 2025.

According to the plan, the average cost for residential water bill per month will increase from $33.52 to $35.21 starting July 1. The average monthly residential sewer bill will increase by about $2 to $64.69.

The average total monthly residential MetCom bill for houses using up to 5,000 gallons of water will go from $98.40 this year to $101.20 next fiscal year.

Chief Engineer Christy Hollander said MetCom is also looking to upgrade its water metering, perhaps in fiscal 2030.

There are 14 sewer rehabilitation/replacement, six pump station projects and six system upgrades/expansion projects. Twelve of those projects will cost $14 million is fiscal 2025.

“Due to county growth, have we calculated what the effects on wastewater would be,” Commissioner Scott Ostrow (R) asked.

Hollander said a facility plan was done in 2023 and that “any of our projects now include any growth.”

The capital contribution charges for water are proposed to continue to remain the same next fiscal year while sewer charges are proposed to be slightly higher for residential properties than projected.

Chief Financial Officer Patricia Stiegman said MetCom’s customer base is just over 18,000.

The county commissioners will look to approve MetCom’s fiscal 2025 capital improvements budget on May 21.

Veith honoredThe St. Mary’s commissioners recognized St. Mary’s Urban & Conservation Planner Sue Veith for her retirement after a 30-year career.

“Working in a small office, having somebody leave like Sue is impactful for us,” Economic Development Director Chris Kaselemis said. “We’re sad, but we’re happy for her.”