Macon Water Authority customers will see bill changes next year
Customers who use 0 to 3 CCF of water will not see an increase in that usage tier, but higher water use and stormwater fees will cost more.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Macon Water Authority customers will see changes to water, sewer, and stormwater bills starting Jan. 1, 2027.
The authority voted Thursday to approve its fiscal year 2027 operating budget, a five-year capital improvement plan, a three-year water and sewer rate plan, and an updated stormwater rate.
Water and sewer rate changes
Under the approved plan, customers who use the lowest amount of water will not pay more for that first level of use.
Customers using 0 to 3 CCF of water will see no increase in that usage tier.
Water use above 3 CCF will increase by $1.24 per CCF beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Additional planned increases are set for 92 cents per CCF in 2028 and 82 cents per CCF in 2029. Those future adjustments are subject to review through the authority’s equity management process.
The authority says the tiered structure is designed to lessen the impact on lower-volume water users while providing revenue to maintain and improve the utility system.
Stormwater fee increase
The board also approved increasing the monthly stormwater fee from $4.99 to $7 per equivalent residential unit.
That change also takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The authority says the additional revenue will help address the loss of SPLOST funding and support stormwater improvements throughout the community.
Five-year improvement plan
The board approved a $181 million capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
The plan includes investments in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure across Bibb County.
The authority says the projects are intended to improve system reliability, replace aging equipment, meet regulatory requirements, and prepare for future growth.
Board Chair Gary Bechtel said in a news release the decisions are meant to protect the long-term health of the utility while balancing customer needs.
“Our responsibility is to make decisions that protect the long-term health of the Macon Water Authority while balancing the needs of today’s customers,” Bechtel said. “These investments will help ensure we can continue maintaining critical infrastructure, meet future demands, and remain financially sustainable for years to come.”
Interim Executive Director Michel Wanna said the plan supports the work needed to provide dependable service.
“Behind every glass of clean drinking water is a team of professionals working around the clock to operate treatment plants, maintain hundreds of miles of water and sewer lines, respond to emergencies, and protect our waterways,” Wanna said. “These investments allow us to continue delivering the safe, reliable service our customers expect while replacing aging infrastructure and preparing for future growth.”
The new water, sewer and stormwater rates take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
