Towson, MD – In light of the recent repairs, replacements, and upgrades to Baltimore County water pipes and sewer systems, county residents can soon expect to see an increase in their monthly bills. According to WBAL-TV 11, the average household with a family of four will seen an increase of about $227 over the next two years.

“Every family of four will see an increase of around $130 a year total, and that’s for fiscal year 2017, which begins July of this year. Next year, there will be about an 8% increase and a family of four will see about a $100 a year increase,” Baltimore County Department of Public Works spokesman Steve Walsh said.

It’s pretty clear the improvements are needed, following recent reports that have outlined problems with sewage backups and flooded basements. Approximately 60% of Baltimore County’s 3,000 miles of sewer pipes and 2,000 miles of water pipes are over 50 years old. Considering the average life expectancy for sewer systems is about 40 years, there’s no question the project is necessary, but that doesn’t make the price hike any more appealing for some local residents.

“It seems like all the bills in Maryland just keep going up. Nothing is going down. Paychecks aren’t going up. It is getting harder and harder. That is one big reason my husband and I want to move out of state,” county resident Jen Alvis told WBAL.

“That’s crazy. Why would they be doing such a thing? Can I sign a petition?” echoed Martez Jeter.

Like it or not, the estimated $54 million project is needed and the county isn’t left with many options for paying for it besides shifting the cost onto the residents. The county has already invested $499 million into EPA-required infrastructure projects and essential capital investments, since 2005.

“With our obligation under the federal decree, along with the requirement that by law the Metropolitan District fund must be self-supporting, we must adjust the rates over the next two years,” said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz in a statement. “This will also satisfy the concerns of the Wall Street rating agencies that the current funding level is not sufficient.”

Kamenetz went on to say that as a responsible government, it was their duty and obligation to tackle the problem sooner rather than kicking the can down the road to leave for the next generation.