Washington prepares to raise water rates again

WASHINGTON — Washington City Council members have completed the first reading of an ordinance that would raise water and sewer rates in town, something many residents complain is already too high.

The increase for every 100 cubic feet of water used, the new ordinance would raise rates by $0.50 for water and $0.25 for sewer, to a total of $5.96 and $5.16, respectively.

The new policy also raises the base monthly rate for water service to $21.30 — an increase of $1.75 — and solid waste collection fees by around a dollar a month, varying with different sizes of trash and recycling bins.

Mayor Millie Youngquist said the cost of paying off a bond for Washington’s water treatment plant went up every year, necessitating the rate hike.

A memo to council members from City Administrator Deanna McCusker said water main project expenses, as well as maintenance and repair operating expenditures were up this year, another factor affecting the increase.

“When we got the loan, it started off with lower payments, with the idea that they would increase,” Youngquist said. “So now, we’re hitting the increasing times. And we had no idea at the time, the way costs, COVID, things like that were going to happen.”

Council Member Illa Earnest said she heard residents’ frustrations about water prices, but said the city had no choice but to make the payments.

“I would love to vote against it,” she said. “We all pay it, too. But we have to make those payments, and they’re pricey … for people on limited income, it’s a hit.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com