Seattle council raises alarm over proposed King County wastewater rate hikes
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Summary
Council members warned that a King County proposal for double-digit wastewater rate increases over multiple years would be unsustainable for many Seattle households and urged coordinated long-term planning with county partners.
Council members used the April 13 briefing to flag regional utility costs, saying a King County proposal for multi-year double-digit wastewater increases would be unaffordable for Seattle households without long-term planning or relief.
Council President Hollingsworth told colleagues the current proposal—described at the briefing as double-digit increases over the next six years—would be “not sustainable for residents” and said the council has raised the issue in regional forums and with county representatives.
Council member Lynn stressed the regional nature of the charge increases and said higher wastewater and drainage costs will affect multiple jurisdictions and local affordability goals. Members said they have asked King County partners for clearer multi-year planning and for phased approaches to limit sudden impacts to ratepayers.
No vote or ordinance was taken at the briefing; council members said they will continue monitoring the county process and coordinating with the regional water-quality committee and King County Council.
