Sunnyside to boost water, sewer rates next year


Yakima Herald-Republic

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SUNNYSIDE, Wash. -- Residents here will see an increase in their sewer and water rates next year.

City Council members have agreed to a 10 percent hike in sewer rates and a 4 percent raise in water rates, but plan to talk more about the rest of the 2010 budget at special workshop Wednesday night.

The increases will mean an additional $5.48 on a typical household's monthly utility bill.

Last week, the City Council adopted the new sewer and water rates but left garbage and ambulance fees the same.

Interim City Manager Jim Bridges said the sewer rate increase was less than originally planned. Last year, the city passed 15 percent increases each for 2009 and 2010. However, city staff told council they could raise it by 10 percent in 2010 and still make sure the sewer fund could handle its bond payments.

Council members decided against a suggested 4.5 percent increase to garbage fees, Bridges said.

Council members will discuss the budget, which includes hiring more police officers and firefighters, again at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

They are scheduled to adopt a budget at the regular City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 but have until Dec. 31 by state law.

 



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