City Moves Ahead on Water-Rate Increase

The City Council has agreed to move forward on a proposal that would raise water rates by 4% beginning in January.

The consumption-charge rate proposal, which would raise the $1.03 charge per 1,000 gallons to $1.07, is expected to be back before the council Dec. 15 for a vote.

If the rate increase is approved, the average single-family household or small business that uses a moderate amount of water will pay 60 cents more a month.

With the proposed increase, water rates would still be in the lower 25% in the county, officials said. The city’s last water rate increase came last November.

The increase is proposed to offset anticipated cost increases, primarily a result of loan payments due next year on two new wells. The new rate would raise $200,000 in new revenue, officials said.