County to hold public hearing on phased sewer fee increases after ERU conversion

Public works staff briefed the board on a two-step update to sewer utility rates for the Columbia and CQ systems: first, capture all users by converting accounts to Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs); second, adjust user fees to cover routine operation and maintenance costs that have not been updated since 2019.

Staff explained the 2023 change from single-connection accounting to ERUs has increased the count of users to be billed. The sewer advisory committee evaluated several rate structures — flat ERU fee, hybrid, and the existing base-plus-usage model — and recommended retaining the base-plus-usage model while phasing in increases to avoid a single large jump to customers.

The committee recommended a phased increase: approximately a 12% rise the first year, 9.9% the second year, and then a 3% ongoing adjustment, to bring revenues in line with predictable O&M needs without switching immediately to a flat ERU fee. Staff said this structure assumes usage overage revenues remain relatively stable on an annual basis and includes options to revisit a flat-fee model later.

A public hearing will be scheduled on April 14 to take community comment before commissioners consider adopting the fee ordinance.