Water, sewer rate increase is proposed

March 15, 2006|by TARA REILLY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

An increase in Washington County water and sewer rates is proposed for the coming fiscal year, part of a long-range plan to decrease the water and sewer debt.

Commissioner John C. Munson said the water and sewer debt is about $34 million.

Water Quality Director Greg Murray proposed raising water rates by 3 percent and sewer rates by 2 percent for residential customers.

It's the second week in a row county staff members have proposed fee increases for county services.

Last week, staff members proposed raising Forty West Landfill permit and tipping fees by $5 to $10.

The average residential customer who uses 12,000 gallons of water a quarter would pay $3.50 more per quarter in fiscal year 2007, which begins July 1.

That means the water bill for an average residential customer would increase from $115.10 per quarter to $118.60 per quarter, according to the proposal.

Murray said the increase is less than $1.20 per month.

The average sewer bill would increase by $2.15 per quarter, from $105.55 to $107.70.

Murray said the increase turns out to be about 71 cents a month.

Last year, the commissioners raised water and sewer rates by 2 percent each.

Commissioners Gregory I. Snook said the commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed rate increases. The date has not yet been set.

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