Everett’s utility rates could rise
Published 11:12 pm Tuesday, September 16, 2008
EVERETT — A bundle of utility rate hikes being considered by the Everett City Council could cause monthly residential sewer and water bills to increase by nearly $16 for most residents within three years.
Monthly fees for single-family homes would increase yearly under the proposal, growing to $77.40 from about $61.60 a month starting in 2012.
Meanwhile, one-time fees charged for a new single-family home to connect to the city’s water and sewer lines would increase to $7,075 from $1,037 in 2018.
Tom Thetford, Everett’s public works director, said the city’s water and sewer hook-up fees are currently below those of most surrounding communities.
The proposed rate hikes would increase billing for water and water filtration, storm water, sewer service and what’s called a “solid waste” fee. If approved, changes will take effect Jan. 1.
Extra money collected by the city’s utilities department would pay for a variety of sewer and water projects, including storm drain upgrades designed to limit pollution in runoff that flows into streams and Puget Sound.
Increased fees would also go toward cleanup of a closed dump along the Snohomish River where an outdoor shopping mall is planned, and to the replacement of aging water and sewer lines.
The Everett City Council is scheduled to read the rate increases into the record for its meeting this evening, but it won’t be taking public testimony until next week.
A public hearing on the proposals is 8:30 a.m. Sept. 24 at the Everett City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.
How the rates compare
These are the proposed monthly sewer and water service increases for single-family homes in Everett:
Filtration: Now, $20.70; 2012, $26.70; Increase, $6.00
Sewer: Now, $27.90; 2012, $33.90; Increase, $6.00
Storm water: Now, $10.50; 2012, $12.80; Increase, $2.30
Solid waste: Now, $2.50; 2012, $4.00; Increase, $1.50
Total: $15.80 per month, or $189.60 a year
More info: www.everettwa.org
