Emporians will start feeling the impact of increased utility rates this month.
In November, city commissioners approved a five-percent rate increase for water use and a 10-percent bump for sewage. Last year, commissioners considered a 10-percent increase for sewage and an eight-percent increase for water. Solid waste rates are staying flat. Original guidance called for a three-percent increase.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Monday, City Manager Mark McAnarney said the increases demonstrate the need to keep the city’s underground infrastructure well maintained and to make renovations to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He also recognized the extra burden the rate increases can pose for residents.
The city has had to adjust its surplus reserve to below a 20-percent benchmark to accommodate for the lower increase for water and the flat solid waste rates.
Commissioners have also said additional increases may be coming the next two years. The city is in the middle of a five-year plan for rate increases and increased rates by eight percent for water, 10 percent for wastewater and five percent for solid waste at the end of 2018.
