Macon Water Authority Board Approves FY2027 Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, and Long-Term Rate Strategy
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MACON, Ga. – The Macon Water Authority (MWA) voted Thursday to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget, the FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, a three-year water and sewer rate strategy, and an updated stormwater rate to support continued investment in essential infrastructure and reliable utility services.
As part of the approved rate strategy, the Board adopted a tiered water and sewer rate structure designed to lessen the impact on lower-volume water users while providing the revenue needed to maintain and improve the utility system. Under the approved plan, customers using 0–3 CCF of water will see no increase in that usage tier. Water usage above 3 CCF will increase by $1.24 per CCF beginning January 1, 2027, followed by planned adjustments of $0.92 per CCF in 2028 and $0.82 per CCF in 2029, subject to future review through the Authority’s equity management process.
The Board also approved increasing the monthly stormwater fee from $4.99 to $7.00 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), effective January 1, 2027. The additional revenue will help address the loss of SPLOST funding and support critical stormwater capital improvements throughout the community.
In addition, the Board approved the Authority’s $181 million FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, which includes investments in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure to improve system reliability, replace aging assets, meet regulatory requirements, and prepare for future growth.
“Our responsibility is to make decisions that protect the long-term health of the Macon Water Authority while balancing the needs of today’s customers,” said Board Chair Gary Bechtel. “These investments will help ensure we can continue maintaining critical infrastructure, meet future demands, and remain financially sustainable for years to come.”
Interim Executive Director Michel Wanna said the approved plan reflects the Authority’s continued commitment to providing dependable utility services.
“Behind every glass of clean drinking water is a team of professionals working around the clock to operate treatment plants, maintain hundreds of miles of water and sewer lines, respond to emergencies, and protect our waterways,” Wanna said. “These investments allow us to continue delivering the safe, reliable service our customers expect while replacing aging infrastructure and preparing for future growth.”
The approved FY2027 Operating Budget and FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan support continued investment in treatment facilities, pipelines, pump stations, stormwater infrastructure, and other critical assets that help ensure dependable service across Bibb County.
The new water, sewer, and stormwater rates will take effect January 1, 2027.
For additional information about the approved budget, capital improvement plan, or rate changes, visit www.maconwater.org.
Media Contact
Rachad Hollis, Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
Phone: 478-464-5600
Email: rhollis@maconwater.org