MONROE —Monroe residents will see a 19.5 percent increase in sewer rates next year, an average bump of almost $7 a month.
Some city leaders cringe at the new rates, which kick in Jan. 1, but say they are necessary to balance the city’s sewer fund.
"We wouldn’t be in this position had these rates been raised in steps in previous years," Councilman Robert Zimmerman said. "On the other hand, we will be … building for our future. There’s a responsibility we have to provide this service to residents … and it needs to be paid for."
The monthly rates will increase to $41.15 from $34.44, based on use of 1,000 cubic feet of water.
Earlier this year the FCS Group — a Redmond firm specializing in municipal finances — completed a water and sewer rate study. According to the study, the 19.5 percent increase is necessary to balance the city’s sewer fund.
The city’s sewer funds have seen a deficit balance the last few years because the city has had to pay for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, including the odor control unit. Also, operating costs continue to rise as the plant works to observe increasingly stringent Department of Ecology wastewater treatment regulations.
Ongoing water and sewer rate negotiations with the state Department of Corrections for the Monroe Correctional Complex’s water use could eventually affect future water and sewer rates.
So could the pending lawsuit of a Seattle environmental group, Waste Action Project, which is suing the city for violating the Clean Water Act. City officials have said the violations occurred while the city was upgrading its wastewater plant.
Also on the horizon is a complete update of the city’s long-term water plan, which could mean more improvement projects to come as the city focuses on keeping up with its expanding population.
City Council members were not thrilled about the rate increase, and at the Dec. 17 meeting Councilman Ken Berger voted against it.
But most agreed it’s a tough issue, but the best thing to do.
Councilman Tony Balk said he realizes the problem of having a sewer fund dipping into the red.
The increase "allows us to start building up reserves," he said. "I think it’s the most prudent thing to do for the city."
Berger said the hardest part was that city leaders had the option of increasing the rates in steps, although a big jump catches city finances up more quickly and saves money in the long run.
"But people prefer steps," Berger said.
On other issues, the City Council also unanimously passed the $28 million city budget for 2004. The budget is a 3 percent increase over the 2003 spending plan.
The Council also put to rest something city staff had been studying for years — where in town to put sexually oriented businesses. It voted unanimously on a 40-page ordinance that will keep such businesses as far away as possible from "sensitive" places such as churches, schools and day care centers.
Monroe Senior Planner Dan Bannier, who worked extensively on the ordinance, said it was a tricky process because most residents don’t welcome such businesses. However, "you can’t exclude them or you’re really opened up for trouble" such as lawsuits, Bannier said.
Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or jwarnick@heraldnet.com.
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