ROCKINGHAM — The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which includes a 7.5% hike in water and sewer rates.
In the budget message, City Manager Monty Crump explained that the increase was due to “unexpected operational changes by several industries” — which led to a $750,000 loss in revenue — combined with an increase in operating costs for the city.
Click here to read the budget preview.
The property tax rate will remain at $.0.55 per $100 of valuation for the second consecutive year and garbage fees will not increase.
The public hearing prior to the vote was a legal formality, as there was no one in the audience.
Prior to the public hearing, the council adopted budget amendments to balance out the current fiscal year.
Crump told the council, before the budget vote, that there had also been an administrative change on deposits for new water and sewer customers from $75 to $150.
“Typically what happens, when somebody is not going to pay the bill and they leave us holding the bill, it’s normally two months — maybe three months — before we realize it,” Crump said.
A minimum bill with two late fee charges is around $133, according to Crump.
Finance Director Jennifer Lambeth clarified that if customers leave in good standing and don’t owe anything, the deposit will be returned, as well as that it only affects those who are renting.
The new deposit fee goes into effect July 1.
The council also approved the following board appointments:
Additional board appointments are expected at the next meeting on July 8.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor John Hutchinson also read aloud a proclamtion recognizing the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army.
DISCLOSURE: Kenny Melvin is co-owner and co-publisher of the Richmond Observer.
