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Council sets May 6 hearing after finance director proposes 8% water, 12% sewer increases
Summary
Finance Director Monica Morris recommended an 8% water and 12% sewer increase to cover rising operational, regulatory and debt costs; the council accepted the report and unanimously moved to set a public hearing on May 6. The change is estimated to add about $12.95 per month for a typical residential customer.
Finance Director Monica Morris told the council that current operational costs, contract escalations and new regulatory fees left the city behind and she recommended increases of 8% for water and 12% for sewer rates to sustain services. She said the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is increasing fees by roughly 20–30 percent and that the proposal is intended to cover existing operations, debt service and compliance costs.
Councilor Linndemyer moved to accept Morris’s report and to announce a public hearing on the proposed rate increases for May 6; Councilor Estes seconded and the motion carried with the following votes: Ayes — Anderson, Estes, Koerner, Cannon, Wright, Lindemyer; Nayes — none; Abstentions — none. Morris told the council the change would produce an estimated $12.95 monthly increase for a typical residential customer. Councilors asked about drivers (prior underfunding vs. recent costs), future projections and assistance programs for low-income residents; staff said outreach will include utility-bill notices and community channels and that Mid-Columbia Community Action utility relief information will be provided.
