Arlington Council could increase sewer rates

ARLINGTON — The City Council discussed raising sewer rates during its work session Monday, Feb. 8.

According to a proposed ordinance, the increase would offset debt the city has incurred constructing its new wastewater treatment facility.

The city of Arlington’s Public Works Department presented two sewer rate options — one based on conservative and another on probably new connection estimates — to the Council for discussion.

“The number of new annual connections is the driving factor that will affect the sewer rate increase,” said Jim Kelly, public works director, in a memo. “And in these economic trying times, the number of new connections has slowed significantly.”

If approved, residential customers would pay an additional $5 per month each year starting this year. According to the new rate, customers would pay $53.75 per month in 2010, $58.75 in 2011, $63.75 in 2012, $68.75 in 2013 and $68.75 in 2014.

The increases would affect residential and commercial rate payers, who currently pay $48.75 per month as a base rate.

Public works officials originally asked that sewer rates be increased by $7 in 2010, followed by $5 raises each consecutive year.

But Council members asked officials to rework those numbers during a December 2009 meeting.

City of Arlington spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said that the proposed changes will not affect water rates.

The City Council will be holding a public hearing on March 1 and 15 for city residents to voice their opinions.

The Council could take action on March 15, and rate increases could be effective by April 15.

Contact Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnick at arudnick@arlingtontimes.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5056.

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