New measures aim to enhance transparency, ensure accountability, and protect DeKalb’s most vulnerable populations.

DEKALB COUNTY – On February 25, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to approve historic protections in the Water and Sewer Rate Increase set to increase by 10% annually over the next 10 years. This Water and Sewer Rate Increase, introduced by CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson, has been the subject of extensive discussions among community members, advocacy groups, and Commissioners to ensure fairness and equity. These historic measures underscore DeKalb County’s commitment to community collaboration, completing critical work, and safeguarding its most vulnerable populations from undue financial strain.

“We are close to near total collapse in several parts of the larger water and sewer system. Conducting major repairs and fixing issues that have compounded will cost us a lot, but at the end of the day, my goal is to provide the best value for the best service possible for all DeKalb water customers,” said Commissioner Terry. “I have been proud to stand with our community members by introducing and supporting measures that ensure this rate increase is done in a way that prioritizes fairness and equity.”

These historic measures include:

• The creation of a Water Customer Advocate Office by January 2026: This office will work hand-in-hand with a restructured Watershed Customer Service and Billing Advisory Board to improve customer service and provide residents with a clear, transparent process to resolve billing issues.
• Fully funding the DeKalb C.A.R.E.S. Discount Program: This program provides meaningful financial assistance to those who need it most and ensures that rate increases don’t disproportionately burden our most vulnerable neighbors. This is crucial because most abnormally high water bills in our system are the result of old pipes in old homes breaking. Plumbing repairs can range from the $100s to several thousand dollars, repairs that must be made before bill credits can be issued. Ensuring that customers like our fixed-income seniors can pay for these repairs is fundamental to an equitable system.
• Protection from Unfair Water Disconnections: Under these reforms, no resident will face water shutoffs while their bill is in dispute. Additionally, for those who believe they were unfairly excluded from the dispute process, we’re creating a pathway to have their cases reviewed by the new Water Customer Advocate Office. Customers will also have access to a seven-year payment plan, giving them more time to address outstanding bills without the threat of disconnection.
• Creation of an “Inspector General” Audit Role: This role will be crucial to allow for independent oversight of the larger $4 billion capital program over the next 10 years. 
• A comprehensive operational audit of the Watershed Department to be completed by January 2026: This audit will identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and ensure that resources are allocated where they’re needed most.
• A master planning process for the Pole Bridge Wastewater Treatment Facility. This plan will focus on sustainability goals, environmental stewardship, and addressing community concerns such as brownfield remediation.

Commissioner Terry has also introduced a proposal to create a Watershed Advisory Group to revamp the current Water Billing Advisory Group, allowing the people to have oversight and accountability levers as the work moves forward into the future. This will ultimately ensure transparency, accountability, and independent stewardship over the people’s water system. This item is still in review by the Board of Commissioners.