AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne told commissioners that some complaints about water meters and readings are valid, as he asked to speed up a meter replacement program and requested a 6.5% water and sewer rate increase for 2027.
Byne spoke during the department’s FY2027 budget presentation Oct. 23. He said Augusta Utilities has replaced approximately 4,000 meters with new cellular AMI meters and has increased its installation pace.
Meter replacement program
The original plan was to replace approximately 75,000 meters over five years. Byne wants to complete the work in three years.
The program is financed through a previously approved Georgia Environmental Finance Authority loan with a 20-year repayment term. The department’s proposed FY2027 supply budget includes an increase of approximately $6 million, driven primarily by inventory purchases for the meter replacement program.
Billing complaints
Commissioner Lonnie Wimberly raised concerns about residents complaining about meter readings, billing procedures and unexpected increases in their water bills…