Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, July 4, 2009

Monroe, state prison system reach agreement on utilities

The city and the state have settled long-standing differences on rates and fees for water and sewer service.

By Debra Smith
Herald Writer

 MONROE -- After years of feuding, it looks like the city and the state Department of Corrections are ready to be friends.

Monroe leaders signed off an agreement this week with the state on sewer service at the Monroe Correctional Complex.

The dispute had serious implications for both parties, especially with tens of thousands of dollars at stake and tight budgets.

"I am thrilled," said Scott Frakes, superintendent for the prison. "It sounds like a good place for all of us. Now we can find closure on this and work on being good neighbors."

Monroe leaders are equally ready to move on.

"I'm so tired of dealing with this," Mayor Donnetta Walser said. "I think it's a good agreement and it accomplishes most of what we wanted."

For years, officials from the Department of Corrections and the city have argued over issues surrounding water and sewer service at the complex, which houses 2,500 prisoners and is located within Monroe's borders.

Water and sewer service has been provided under a series of agreements, some reached years ago.

One agreement allows the prison to forgo a utility tax.

A second lets the prison pay discounted rates on sewer service since the prison collects sewage in lagoons before it's sent on to the treatment plant.

The resolution calls for the prison to continue paying the same sewer rate it has since January at least until the end of the year. After that, the city can raise rates but the Department of Corrections can pay for a third party to perform a rate study if they don't agree the hike is fair.

When Monroe extended its borders beyond the prison, city leaders agreed to waive utility taxes. City leaders later amended the original agreement and told the state to pay up.

The city dropped its push to get the state to pay $180,000 in back utility taxes and penalties. Instead, the state will make a one-time payment of $75,000 to the city.

Both parties also agreed to try and settle any future arguments with the help of an arbitrator.

The deal won't be final until officials at the state sign the agreement.

It doesn't appear there will be any last minute hiccups.

"We believe we've reached an agreement in principle," said Maria Peterson, a Corrections Department spokeswoman.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA