FY2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets

FY2026 Proposed Budget Fund Budgets

Water & Sewer

Water & Sewer Fund The Water & Sewer Fund is a separate self-supporting fund that provides water and wastewater services. Depending on customer location, the water source may be the Potomac River, or a ground water source from deep wells in various aquifers throughout the County. The Division of Water and Sewer Utilities develops, constructs, operates, and maintains the County-owned water and sewer systems; reviews all designs, agreements, and construction contracts for system additions; prepares water supply and sewage disposal studies; and assists municipalities with water and sewer problems when resources are available. Budget Highlights The following budget adjustments are reflected in FY26: Water and sewer service charges, as well as capacity fees, are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Capacity fees are used for future capital infrastructure projects which increase water or sewer capacity. Nine positions were approved in FY26 for the Water and Sewer Fund, as was capital equipment and additional vehicles totaling $593,000. Additionally, a partial position was reallocated from the Division of Solid Waste & Recycling to better align with current workload. An independent study of salary and benefits was conducted. As a result, the budget reflects a several year phase in to adjust the salaries of certain positions to reflect current market rates, as well as adjustments to salary scales, position titles, and classifications. Changes in salaries and benefits based on contracts, individual benefit elections, tax laws, etc., are also included.

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