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CEO Cochran-Johnson Takes Immediate Action to Address Infrastructure Challenges
This week, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson successfully completed a series of three Water Rate Town Halls, held February 3-5, to inform residents about the proposed water rate increase and the critical investments needed to modernize and sustain DeKalb’s aging water and sewer infrastructure.
The final Town Hall, held Wednesday night in South DeKalb, underscored the County’s commitment to long-term water system improvements and financial accountability. The first two Town Halls took place in North DeKalb on Monday and Central DeKalb on Tuesday, ensuring residents across the county had the opportunity to engage and ask questions.
Since taking office, CEO Cochran-Johnson has made DeKalb’s deteriorating water and sewer infrastructure a top priority, recognizing the urgency of addressing longstanding system failures. She inherited a system with aging pipes, high water main break rates, and significant funding gaps. She has taken swift action to ensure that necessary upgrades and financial planning are in place to secure the county’s water future.
"The proposed rate adjustment is not just about infrastructure—it’s about securing DeKalb’s future," said CEO Cochran-Johnson. "We are facing a critical moment where we must choose to invest in safe, reliable water for our residents or risk system failures that would have devastating consequences."
The Need for a Rate Adjustment
To address these challenges, CEO Cochran-Johnson has proposed a 10% annual water rate increase over ten years, which is expected to generate $257 million annually. This marks only the second rate increase in a decade, following a modest adjustments in 2022.
These funds will be used to:
- Close funding gaps between state and federal infrastructure dollars
- Meet bond requirements for the Master Bond Resolution
- Maintain financial stability and protect the county’s bond rating
- Support the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for essential water and sewer upgrades
DeKalb County is the only metro Atlanta county relying on a single water supply. The Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant, originally built in 1942, requires over $3 billion in upgrades to ensure reliability. If the plant were to experience a failure, the countywide water supply would last only three to five hours before depletion.
Investments and Infrastructure Challenges Inherited by CEO Cochran-Johnson
Prior to CEO Cochran-Johnson’s tenure, DeKalb County had made some progress under the federally mandated Modified Consent Decree (MCD) since 2021. However, significant gaps remain, requiring immediate attention and leadership.
Progress made before she took office includes:
- Completion of 176 Priority Fix List (PFL) sites, addressing 71% of original problem areas ahead of schedule
- 916,757 linear feet of sewer system rehabilitation completed, exceeding annual targets
- 3,300 miles of sanitary sewer cleaned to improve system performance
- 28 million gallons per day of stormwater prevented from entering the sewer system
- 3.2 million gallons of sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) volume removed annually through PFL repairs
Additionally, prior to her tenure, the County allocated:
- $572.7 million for MCD projects, with 78% of those funds utilized since 2017
- $309.4 million for non-MCD wastewater projects, including the expansion of the Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility
- Over $500 million for drinking water infrastructure improvements
Immediate Action and Oversight Under CEO Cochran-Johnson
Since taking office, CEO Cochran-Johnson has committed to addressing the funding gaps and accelerating infrastructure repairs with greater oversight and efficiency.
To ensure accountability, she has taken the following immediate steps:
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Appointing an external project manager to oversee Consent Decree, CIP, and infrastructure work to ensure deadlines are met and resources are used effectively.
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Retaining a firm specializing in water, sewer, and infrastructure financing to improve financial management, reduce waste, and maximize available funding.
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Engaging directly with residents and stakeholders through the Water Rate Town Hall series, ensuring transparency and public awareness of the proposed rate adjustment and infrastructure needs.
"The success of our water system upgrades depends on strong oversight and expert management," said CEO Cochran-Johnson. "I will make sure we have the right people in place to execute these projects effectively, on time, and with fiscal responsibility. This is not just about fixing a problem—it’s about building a future where DeKalb residents can rely on a safe and modern water system."
Next Steps for Residents
Now that the Water Rate Town Hall series is complete, CEO Cochran-Johnson urges residents to stay engaged and informed about the proposed rate adjustment and its impact on DeKalb’s water infrastructure.
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