Higher water bills ahead as Valdese keeps fluoride in drinking water

Valdese residents will see higher water bills next year after town leaders chose to continue fluoridating the town’s drinking water.

Under the proposed 2026-27 budget, water rates will increase by about 7%, adding roughly $2.80 to the average monthly residential bill.

Sewer rates will increase as well. The average residential customer will pay an extra $1 per month.

The Valdese Town Council approved the increase during its April 14 budget workshop. No formal action was required.

“We would have zero increase if we took fluoride out,” Town Manager Todd Herms told the council during the workshop. “(If we) keep it in, it’s going to be 7%. Are we all in agreement that we want to keep fluoride in and do the 7% increase, or do we need to have a discussion at the next council meeting?”

Council members nodded, quietly approving the choice to continue water fluoridation. Mayor Pro Tem Rexanna Lowman affirmed her support verbally. Councilwoman Melinda Zimmerman also commented, saying the majority of feedback she received indicated residents wanted to keep fluoride in the water.

The possibility of removing the fluoride pump was first discussed at the March 30 meeting. It was suggested as a cost-saving measure by Chief Financial Officer Bo Weichel, because fluoride is not a necessary chemical to sanitize water.

The item initially appeared on the consent agenda, which allows routine items to be approved without discussion, prompting concern from residents.

After receiving calls from the public, council members pulled the item for discussion and delayed a decision.

Given the council made a decision at its annual budget retreat, there will be no further discussion on fluoride at the town’s next meeting.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

Water rates and sewer rates will increase for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

In addition to the rate increases, several other utility related changes are under consideration:

• A $3 monthly fee for customers who do not use paperless billing
• An increase in the non-payment fee from $25 to $30
• New “tap fees” for additional connections in new construction

Chief Financial Officer Bo Weichel said mailing paper bills alone costs about $50,000 annually, with most of that tied to postage.

Dale Schepers, Financial Analyst with McGill Associates, said the proposed water and sewer rates are still below the median monthly bill for residential customers using 3,000 gallons of water per month.

The state median for a water and sewer bill is about $69. Under the 2026-27 proposed rates, Valdese residents would pay an average of $57.85.

WHY ARE HIGHER RATES ON THE TABLE?

Town officials say the increase reflects a broader trend of rising costs, including higher salaries and retirement contributions and equipment at the end of its life expectancy.

Some of those costs are significant.

Weichel said that one of the tanks at the water plant needs a bulkhead fitting replaced.

“We have to order that part from the manufacturer, and it’s just a piece of plastic, basically, but it costs $12,000,” Weichel said. “So, this gives you a perspective on how much things cost when we’re dealing with stuff like this.”

Town Manager Todd Herms shared multiple items that have increased between 2020 and now, including water meters.

The cost has gone up 345% since 2020, Herms said, jumping from $210 to $934. Valdese needs three water meters.

“We can’t eat all of that and not raise rates over the last five years,” Herms said. “So, when customers are complaining about water rates going up, it’s not that we’re collecting more profit. Our expenditures are going up.”

Another expense that went up was the cost of lab supplies at the waste water plant, bounding from $12,000 to $64,900. Weichel said this is because there are new water testing requirements from the state.

“The state likes to put mandates on us, which is, in fairness, to help keep drinking water clean and put clean water back in the river,” Weichel said. “But they put these mandates on us that cost money, but they don’t give us any money to implement them.”