JEFFERSON WATER, SEWER RATES TO JUMP
Jefferson hikes water, sewer rates
In a 4-1 vote, the Jefferson City Council agreed Monday night to increase the water and sewer rates. Councilman Bosie Griffith voted against the action while C.D. Kidd, Steve Kinney, Roy Plott and David Varnedoe voted for the increase.
In addition, the council approved the city’s water and sewer budget in a 3-2 vote. Griffith and Kidd voted against the new budget, which includes salaries for two new employees and a five percent pay hike for other employees.
With the water rate increase, customers who use less than 2,000 gallons of water per month will see no change to their water and sewer bills. Those who use less than 6,000 gallons per month will see their bill increase by $8.45 per month, or about 16 percent. Officials said two-thirds of all users use less than 6,000 gal. per month.
The biggest increase will be for major commercial users. A commercial user, such as a restaurant, that uses 22,500 gallons per month will see its rate increase from $244 to $345, a 41 percent jump.
A very high commercial user that uses 975,000 gallons or more per month will see its bill go from $10,618 per month to $13,912 per month.
The water rate increases are expected to generate 22 percent more in water sales revenue to the city next year to $3.2 millon, up from $2.6 million in the 2008 budget.
With the water rate increase, customers who use less than 2,000 gallons of water per month will see no change to their water and sewer bills. Those who use less than 6,000 gallons per month will see their bill increase by $8.45 per month, or about 16 percent. Officials said two-thirds of all users use less than 6,000 gal. per month.
The biggest increase will be for major commercial users. A commercial user, such as a restaurant, that uses 22,500 gallons per month will see its rate increase from $244 to $345, a 41 percent jump.
A very high commercial user that uses 975,000 gallons or more per month will see its bill go from $10,618 per month to $13,912 per month.
The water rate increases are expected to generate 22 percent more in water sales revenue to the city next year to $3.2 millon, up from $2.6 million in the 2008 budget.
Who do you know right now getting a 5% raise in their paychecks?
I HAVE A GREAT IDEA: How about NOT going up on water bills and NOT do any new hiring and NOT giving any pay raises at this time in this economic crisis?