Waynesboro increases water and sewer rates, keeps tax rates level

WAYNESBORO – Water and sewer rate increases were approved in Waynesboro on Monday night.

The Waynesboro City Council passed the increases alongside the city's budget and a 5% employee pay raise. Council did not raise real estate or personal property taxes.

No one spoke for or against the tax rates or utility rate changes during the public hearings held on April 22. Three speakers did address the budget, with two calling for more rental inspectors and another calling for more funding to the Valley Children's Advocacy Center.

“The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is especially informed using the goal to maintain current levels of service while balancing affordability for citizens,” reads the agenda briefing.

All three were then approved during the Monday Waynesboro City Council meeting.

Water and sewer rates increased

The new water and sewer rates will go into effect July 1.

The water rate increased from $5.85 to $5.97 per 1,000 gallons, a 2% increase. The fixed service charges were also increased by 2%.

The sewer rate increased from $9.23 to $9.74 per 1,000 gallons, a 5.5% increase. The refuse service charge will also increase from $20 to $22 per month, per cart.

No tax increase, but should there be one?

The tax rates will remain the same as last year – 77 cents per $100 of assessed value for real estate tax, $3.25 personal property tax, and $3.25 for machinery and tools.

The lack of change is why there was a single nay vote against both the budget and tax rates. Councilman Terry Short Jr. explained, “It may feel good to hold the tax rate as it is but given the circumstances and what is before us over the next 12 to 18 months, I can't support that.”

According to Short, there are $3 million worth of general fund obligations council does not have a way to fund. This includes:

The 5% employee pay raises included in the budget and salaries for two “frozen” positions with the city. These increases are included in the budget.

The city manager previously told city council they need nine more staff firefighters and both a full-time and part-time staff member for the Waynesboro City Sheriff’s Office. None of these positions are in the budget.

Over $10 million of capital investments are expected in the next few years, though Short did not point to specific projects.

Councilman Kenny Lee voted in favor of the budget, but also agreed with Short’s concern, “I think going forward that we, as council, need to take a hard look at some of the issues that he just mentioned.”

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.