By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER – Kent County Levy Court seems likely to implement a 20% fee increase for its sewer contract users, which was discussed as part of the county’s proposed FY25 Sewer Fund Budget Review on Feb. 20.

“There were some unexpected expenses in 2023 that kind of put things ... different than we planned,” said Diana Golt, Kent County director of public works.

We’re seeing increases in the cost of lime, the cost of ferric, the cost of the chemicals, basically. We’re seeing increases in the costs for repairing a pump. Overall costs are increasing in all areas.

“I haven’t finished the final revenue analysis in terms of projections, and this can change seasonally, but we’re looking at needing $1 million more.”

It is proposed that these increasing costs can be helped by the 20% increase in sewer fees. Ms. Golt says this would mean that contract users would pay 57 cents more per 1,000 gallons, around $17 more per quarter. As a result, she said hauler charges would increase as well.

The Kent County sewer system reaches into all three counties via Milford and Smyrna, though this rate increase will not reach everyone who uses the sewer system.

“Again, we’re talking about Milford Neck, Frederica, Tidbury. The places where the county maintains the sewer,” said Ms. Golt. “As opposed to city of Dover (which) has its own public works department.”

The sewer fund proposed budget discussion comes after a heated debate that took place in January where Levy Court struggled to decide the best way to close the gap, as well as how the county should deal with its aging sewer infrastructure.

Prior to that discussion, the approved proposal was 10% increase each year over three years, but it has become clear to the county that it is not enough.

No decision was made to approve the budget, but it generated support from Levy Court. Ms. Golt said that haulers would theoretically be able to get 30 days notice were these changes to go into effect.