Water rate increase OK’d by Washington council

WASHINGTON - The Washington City Council approved a water rate increase.

The increase was approved unanimously at the council's Dec. 1 meeting.

There will be an increase of 31 cents per cubic feet for residents and 14 cents for non-residents.

Residents will now pay $4.42 and nonresidents will pay $4.25 per 100 cubic feet of water.

The base water charge of $17.85 for residents and $31.50 for nonresidents will not change. The sewer base charge also will not change.

This ordinance change is part of a resolution the council previously passed to increase rates incrementally, and not all at once.

At a previous meeting, council member Steven Gault said a resident approached him asking why it is measured in 100 cubic feet and not exact measurements.

100 cubic feet equals 748.052 gallons.

City Administrator Brent Hinson said the meters are set up to read every 100 cubic feet. Hinson said it balances out over time. If 399 cubic feet is used, they will be billed for 300.