From the Colorado Daily (Heath Urie):
…utility officials are once again pushing their case for a 3 percent increase in water rates and a 3 percent increase in wastewater fees for 2011. “Even though we recognize it’s a tough financial environment right now, our costs do go up,” said Ned Williams, director of public works for utilities…
As proposed, the rate increases would add about $18 a year, or $1.50 a month, to most residential water bills. Commercial customers would also see a 3 percent increase…
According to a memo from the utility division to the council, projects that would have to be put on hold if a rate increase isn’t granted include a $785,000 plan to reline the city’s Chautaqua water storage tank, which is leaking about 28,800 gallons a day. A $460,000 project to rehabilitate the Green Lake Dam might also have to be pushed back by several years. The dam provides water to the Betasso Water Treatment Facility. A $550,000 project to rehabilitate sewers and manholes likely would not be funded without a rate increase, according to the memo. Officials wrote that holding off on that project would “likely increase the risk of additional sewer overflow events that create both public health and environmental damages.”
More infrastructure coverage here.