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Demorest council adopts cost-of-service structure for 2026 water rates

The vote sets how the city will calculate what residents and businesses pay for water and sewer service this year.

By NEGA Brief Newsroom
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January 6, 2026: 2026 water rates

At a glance

What this means now

Where it stands

In its regular session that same night, the council voted 4-0 to adopt Alt 2, the cost-of-service allocation rate structure, for 2026 water rates.

The story

At a December work session, a consultant from EMI presented the city's 2026 water and sewer rate study, telling council the city's financial health regarding water and sewer is good but expenses are increasing.

SourcesCity Council Minutes — 12.2.25 WS Minutes FINAL.pdfCity Council Agenda — 12.2.25 WS Agenda.pdf

Later that night, in its regular session, the Demorest City Council took up consideration of 2026 water rates but voted 4-0 to table the matter for further review.

SourcesCity Council Agenda — 12.2.25 CC RS Agenda.pdfCity Council Minutes — 12.2.25 RS Mintues FINAL.pdf

At a January 6 work session, council discussed four options for keeping rates stable, including revising rate codes and usage tiers (Alt 1) and putting in place a cost-of-service allocation rate structure (Alt 2).

SourcesCity Council Minutes — 1.6.26 WS Minutes FINAL.pdfCity Council Agenda — 1.6.26 WS Agenda.pdf

In its regular session that same night, the council voted 4-0 to adopt Alt 2, the cost-of-service allocation rate structure, for 2026 water rates.

SourcesCity Council Minutes — 1.6.26 CC RS Minutes FINAL.pdfCity Council Agenda — 1.6.26 CC RS Agenda.pdf

What happened

How this issue got here

Open any step for its supporting record. A proposal remains labeled as proposed until later evidence establishes an outcome.

Discussed
discussed

2026 water and sewer rate study options

Four options were proposed to maintain stability: Alt 1: Revise rate codes and usage tiers, manage expenses Alt 2: Implement cost-of-service allocation rate structure

Approved
confirmed

2026 Water Rates - adoption of Alt 2 cost-of-service allocation rate structure

The motion to adopt Alt 2: Implement cost-of-service allocation rate structure was unanimously approved (4-0)

Appeared on agenda
proposed

2026 water rates

CONSIDERATION OF 2026 WATER RATES

Appeared on agenda
proposed

2026 water rates

DISCUSSION OF 2026 WATER RATES

Tabled
confirmed

2026 water rates

Councilman Allen moved to table for further review, seconded by Councilman Davis. ACTION: The motion to table for further review was unanimously approved (4-0).

Appeared on agenda
proposed

2026 water rates

10. CONSIDERATION OF 2026 WATER RATES TAB 2

Discussed
discussed

2026 water and sewer rate study

Fletcher with EMI presented the 2026 water and sewer study report. The city's financial health regarding water and sewer is good, but expenses are increasing.

Appeared on agenda
proposed

2026 water rates

DISCUSSION OF 2026 WATER RATES

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