Residents weigh in on proposed utility rate hikes
0 Comments | Idaho State Journal; Pocatello, Idaho, Jul 7, 2010 | by Ellis, Sean
POCATELLO –Local residents had a chance Tuesday during the mayor’s live call-in show to weigh in on a proposal to raise water, sewer and sanitation rates incrementally over the next five years.
They’ll get another opportunity during a public meeting Aug. 5. Then, it’s up to the council to decide what to do with a consultant’s proposal that recommends increasing rates for the average single-family residence about 25 percent total over a five-year period.
City officials say some rate increases are necessary to maintain services by keeping pace with inflation, as well as fund necessary capital improvements such as the replacement of aging infrastructure.
“You need a financial plan to ensure utilities remain viable –you need to provide safe drinking water and… garbage pickup,” says Pocatello Chief Financial Officer Dave Swindell.
Their feeling is that it is better to raise rates slowly each year than suffer a major double-digit increase down the road.
Council members say most of the feedback they have received so far on the issue is from people who understand the reason behind the proposed increases , even if they’re not ecstatic about the prospect of paying more.
“The only thing I’ve heard from the public is that they would rather have rate increases come incrementally as opposed to in big bites as has happened sometimes in the past,” said Councilman Roger Bray
sewer replacement
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