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Warren council approves water and sewer rate ordinance change tied to higher purchase and plant costs
Summary
Council approved a second-reading amendment to the water and sewer rate ordinance to pass through higher wholesale water costs and to help fund an upcoming wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project; the city expects to use low-interest SRF financing for the plant.
Council Secretary Mindy Moore introduced a second-reading ordinance change to the City of Warren water and sewer rate schedule and explained the rationale before the council voted to approve the amendment.
‘‘Nobody likes to raise rates,’’ Moore said, but she told the council the city has not raised rates for several years and must address infrastructure and operating costs. City Controller Rick Fox told the council the city faces a greater-than-5% increase in the price it pays for purchased water and is planning a major wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation estimated at about $75 million; the city is pursuing a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan at an anticipated low interest rate to finance much of the project.
The council approved the ordinance on the second reading. Moore and Council members acknowledged the financial burden on residents, and Councilwoman McGee reminded residents that water-assistance programs are available through local human-services providers and 2-1-1 referral services.
Ending: With the ordinance change approved, the city will pass necessary rate adjustments into practice; the controller and administration will proceed with SRF applications and project planning, and staff reiterated information on local assistance programs for residents who may face hardship.
