Sewer and Stormwater Rate Increases
Summary
Utility bills are going up July 1 — about 3.2% overall, or roughly $4.81 more per month for a typical customer. The city rejected Clean Water Services' 21% local sewer hike and plans a rate study this fall to make billing more transparent.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $4.81 more per month for a typical 6,000-gallon customer starting July 1, 2026.
The city's sewer and stormwater systems get funded; ratepayers benefit from the city holding increases to 4% instead of 21%.
Residents already struggling with utility bills will pay more, and CWS's regional charges pass costs onto Cornelius for growth it didn't drive.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council (Regular) - Jun 15, 2026
The city updated its fee-in-lieu schedule for developers who pay instead of building on-site stormwater management, matching Clean Water Services' new structure including a tier for large impervious surfaces over 2,640 square feet. The city keeps 100% of the money for its own stormwater capital projects.
City Council (Work) - May 18, 2026
Utility bills are going up July 1 — about 3.2% overall, or roughly $4.81 more per month for a typical customer. The city rejected Clean Water Services' 21% local sewer hike and plans a rate study this fall to make billing more transparent.
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