OWASA Board considers new water rates, budget; next meeting set for July 9
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) Board of Directors met on June 25 for a special meeting to consider adopting new water and sewer rates, the FY2027 budget, and a five-year capital improvements plan. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no official decisions are available to report.
What was on the table
The board’s June 25 agenda included:
- Adopting a new Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Charges, effective Oct. 1, 2026
- Approving the FY2027 annual budget and the FY2027–2031 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
- A resolution setting executive director compensation
- A resolution to reappoint Epting & Hackney as general counsel
- A review of an update to the Water Shortage Response Plan
All items were listed as action items, but until the minutes are released, the final votes and any changes from the proposed language remain unknown.
Why it matters
OWASA provides water and sewer service to residents and businesses in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. The proposed rate schedule and budget will directly affect monthly utility bills and the authority’s ability to fund infrastructure projects over the next five years. The Water Shortage Response Plan update, meanwhile, could affect how the agency handles drought conditions.
Next board meeting
The OWASA Board will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026. According to the posted agenda, directors will:
- Review the FY27 budget process
- Consider resolutions to approve federal awards conflict of interest and civil rights policies (required for ARPA grant compliance)
- Receive an update on the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant clearwell and electrical project
- Discuss an effective governance board training scheduled for Aug. 13, 2026
- Review plans for a communications workshop on Aug. 27, 2026
Consent items include approval of prior meeting minutes and a quarterly attendance report.
Coming up
OWASA Board of Directors regular meeting — Thursday, July 9, 2026, time and location to be confirmed on the official agenda. The meeting will cover budget process review, grant-related policies, and a water treatment plant project update. Residents can access the full agenda and any public comment instructions on the OWASA website.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.