Prince George’s and Montgomery County lawmakers, convening their annual Bi-County Budget meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2016, adopted the budgets for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC); the bi-county portion of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC); and the Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC).

Prince George’s County Council Chair Derrick L. Davis addressed members of both Councils during the joint session, thanking them for their efforts to adopt a budget that reflects the best interests of both jurisdictions.

“Similar to previous years, this too has been a trying budget season for both Councils. While the WSSC budget includes a rate increase, efforts on the part of both Councils to adopt a budget that reflects the best interests of our residents is to be commended.“

During the joint session, both Councils approved the WSSC FY 2017 Operating and Capital budgets of $1.4 billion. The new budget includes a 3-percent rate increase for water and sewer customers. The 3-percent rate increase combined with the change to the Infrastructure Investment Fee will add $3.28 per month to the bill of a customer using 145 gallons per day. WSSC’s budget focuses on the continued rehabilitation of water and sewer pipeline miles throughout WSSC’s system.
All new bi-county spending plans are effective on July 1, 2016.