Posted on 12/13/24
| News Source: WMAR2NEWS
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 13, 2024 - If the latest consumer price index is any indication, inflation is once again rising.
It's one reason why Baltimore City's Department of Public Works proposed a multi-year utility rate increase.
The department says the price hike is needed to maintain "the financial sustainability of the City's aging water and wastewater system."
DPW will officially make the proposal before the Board of Estimates on December 18, setting up a potential vote on January 22.
If approved, by fiscal year 2027, most Baltimore City households would see their monthly sewer and water bills increase by $37.69.
For example, during fiscal year 2025, a sewer and water bill normally costing $130.21 will go up $12.58 totaling $142.79.
That's an overall increase of 9.66 percent.
During fiscal year 2026, the average monthly sewer and water bill would rise another 8.4 percent to $154.82.
Finally in fiscal year 2027, monthly rates would increase once more to $167.90.
“This rate increase is a critical component of our comprehensive strategy to safeguard the safety, reliability, and quality of the services we deliver,” said DPW Director Khalil Zaied. “The adjustment is necessary to address rising costs driven by inflation and evolving regulatory requirements,” Zaied explained. “Investing in our infrastructure is essential to ensuring the continued delivery of clean water and efficient sewer services for our communities."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers rose by 19.4 percent between January 2021 and July 2024.
If passed, new rates would be billed starting in February 2025.
Several meetings have been arranged before then for community feedback
Financial assistance for low-income families will remain availablewhen the new rate hikes take effect.
In case you were wondering, Baltimore County rates are not impacted. Their rates last increased in 2023.