MSD increasing rate by 6.9% to cover upgrades, repairs in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Blame Louisville's aging sewer system for an incoming rate hike.

The Metropolitan Sewer District said it will increase its rate by 6.9% to cover upgrades and repairs across Jefferson County.

Every homeowner in Louisville pays for flood protections, sewer maintenance and water treatment, and on Aug. 1, the bill from MSD is going up.

According to a news release Wednesday, Louisville MSD's board approved to move forward under the preliminary rate resolution Tuesday. The fiscal year 2025 budget plan will invest more than $298.8 million to support 208 projects.

Stephanie Best lives in Jefferson county and isn't happy about rising rates. "I feel powerless in this situation."

From groceries to gas, Best is feeling the pinch of skyrocketing prices while she was out shopping on Thursday.

"I might have to put something back and get something less expensive," she said.

MSD said the 6.9% rate increase would add $5.19 to the average monthly Jefferson County residential bill and $3.74 to the average Oldham County residential bill beginning Aug. 1. MSD will continue to offer a 30% discount for qualified low-income ratepayers in both counties.

There are some pipes that date back to the 1860s, and crucial facilities rely on technology from the 1950s. The capital projects are needed to repair sewer, flood protection and drainage systems.

MSD director Tony Parrott said, "we're doing everything we can to mitigate the rate increase."

Parrott explained that the increased revenue will help fund nearly $300 million for projects like solving the city's odor issues and repairing pipes that have served Louisville since the 1860s.

"We have a lot of work that has been pushed out, quite honestly, because we can only afford to do so much," he said. "We have to do the projects. They are there to not only protect the city, but to make sure we're protecting the environment as well."

The aging sewer system contributes to the frequent cave-ins on Louisville streets, and MSD is already working with grant money and low-interest loans to replace the outdated biosolids processing at the Morris Forman Water Quality Treatment Center and replace the Paddy's Run Flood Pumping Station.

MSD accepting feedback

Complete information about the plan to raise rates for MSD customers in Jefferson and Oldham County can be found online at LouisvilleMSD.org/Rates.

MSD said it is accepting written feedback about the increase from customers until July 5, 2024. Comments can be emailed to Finance@LouisvilleMSD.org. It can also be mailed to:

MSD Board
c/o Finance
700 West Liberty Street
Louisville, Ky. 40203

Need help paying your bill?

With bills going up, MSD said it will still offer a 30% discount for qualified low-income homeowners in Jefferson and Oldham counties. Annual renewal is required. Click here for information.

Senior citizens who are 65 or older and have a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less may also apply for a 30% discount on wastewater charges. To learn more, click here.

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