ROCK HILL — The cost of trash and sewage services in Rock Hill is expected to go up, according to the latest version of the city’s 2026 budget.
City Manager David Vehaun presented the $313 million budget during a public hearing on May 27.
Wastewater bills are expected to see the biggest hike. An 8% rate increase — $4.18 more a month for the average residential customer — will pay for the ongoing $300-million-dollar wastewater treatment center expansion project on Red River Road.
City leaders said the incremental rate increase was a planned necessity to afford upgrades that meet a higher treatment standard.
“We started talking about this probably 15 years ago now and looking at what rates we’d need to be able to do everything we need to do,” said Deputy City Mayor Jimmy Bagley.
A 3% raise to sanitation bills — about 63 cents a month for the standard customer — will cover rising rates to use the York County landfill. City officials said the county is running out of space and having to ship trash elsewhere.
Staff said this isn’t likely to change and Rock Hill residents will keep having to pay the price.
“Most of what they are doing is transferring it, so they package it at the landfill area and haul it out of town,” Bagley said. “Most of that (price increase) is transportation cost.”
Property taxes are expected to stay the same, Vehaun said. There’s also no rate hike on electric, water or stormwater bills.
Overall, if the budget is approved, the typical Rock Hill resident would pay an estimated $4.81 more on their utility bill each month.
Rate increases are also being proposed on several, specific city fees. Staff are recommending raising rates at the cemetery to keep up with operating costs, and bumping the price for city inspections and plan reviews.
The budget also includes 10 new, full-time jobs with the city. Vehaun said the move cuts five part-time roles.
No one spoke out in favor or against the budget during the public hearing.
A first reading of the budget passed without additional discussion. A second reading and vote is expected on Monday, June 23.
