Important Update: Adopted FY 2026/27 Public Utilities Budget and Rate Adjustments

On June 15, 2026, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners adopted the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget, which includes updated water and sewer rates. Our department remains deeply committed to providing top-tier water quality and reliable services that meet our community’s current demands, while preparing for future growth.

Over the past five years, our retail water customer base has grown by 24% (now serving ~50,600 customers), and our retail sewer customer base has grown by 32% (now serving over 9,900 customers). To maintain high-quality service, cover rising operational costs, meet new regulations and fund a comprehensive 20-year Capital Improvements Plan, rate adjustments are necessary.

These adjustments are based on an independent financial rate analysis conducted in February 2026 by Willdan Financial Services to ensure we recover costs fairly and remain financially strong.

How Will This Affect Your Monthly Bill?

For a typical retail residential household using 4,000 gallons of water per month, the changes will result in a monthly increase of $2.20 (or about 4.8%) per month for water only customers and a monthly increase of $5.80 (or about 5.1%) for those customers with both water and sewer.

The breakdown of the monthly changes is as follows:

Service Type	Current Monthly Bill	New Monthly Bill	Monthly Increase ($)	Monthly Increase (%)
Water	$45.80	$48.00	$2.20	4.8%
Sewer	$68.40	$72.00	$3.60	5.3%
Combined Total	$114.20	$120.00	$5.80	5.1%

 

Key Highlights of the FY 26/27 Budget

• Infrastructure Investments: The budget supports our 20-year Capital Improvements Plan, which includes vital projects designed to meet growing demands, upgrade aging facilities, and ensure strict compliance with operational permits.
• No General Fund Transfers: The Public Utilities budget remains entirely self-sustaining, requiring zero transfers from the County’s General Fund.
• Essential Staffing Additions: To keep up with system expansions and service calls, the budget includes funding for four positions (one Project Engineer, one Meter Reader/Service Technician, and two Utility Maintenance Workers) scheduled to begin October 1, 2026.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The new rate structures will take effect on the following schedule:

• July 1, 2026: Adjustments to Plan Review, Permitting, and Inspection Fees go into effect.
• September 1, 2026: Adjustments to Retail and Bulk Water and Sewer Fees and Rates go into effect.

Next Steps and More Information

Details of the adopted Public Utilities budget can be found below:

• View the Full FY 26/27 Adopted Rate Adjustment Tables
• View the Full Public Utilities Budget Summary Memorandum

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Department of Public Utilities at (919) 209-8333 or publicutilities@johhstonnc.gov.