Oro Valley utility panel backs modest base-rate increase, recommends council hearing

The Oro Valley Water Utility Commission on Nov. 10 voted to recommend a modest increase to potable water base rates to the Town Council, approving a proposal staff said would add $1.86 per month to the typical 5/8-inch customer bill while leaving commodity tiers and the groundwater preservation fee unchanged.

Staff presented a five-year rate model and a schedule that would allow the council to receive notice in March and hold a public hearing in June. "Our recommendation is an increase to potable base rates only, no change to the potable commodity tiers," said Peter, a water utility staff member leading the analysis, who said the change would give the utility predictable, guaranteed revenue. Peter gave an example showing a 5/8-inch meter billed at 7,000 gallons per month would move from $23.31…