Councilmembers React to Water and Sewer Increases

Maggie Wall/KMXT

City water and sewer rates are expected to go up, and the Kodiak City Council is putting residents on notice to expect increases over the next several years.

The council took up the proposed increases at last Thursday’s regular council meeting. KMXT’s Maggie Wall was there and has this report.

— (Water Sewer Increase 3:52 SOQ")

Under the proposal, the city’s basic residential water rate would go from just over $39 to more than $55 per month in 2015. Sewer rates would go up as well.

While the increase may not break the bank for many people, city residents are looking at a lot of extra costs in the next several years. In addition to those that are city specific, there are those that the Kodiak Island Borough is expected to pass along soon, not the least of which is the high school renovation.

It’s all adding up. And council members said they are very much aware this proposed water and sewer rate increase is adding to the load. Councilman Tom Walters explained the increase at Thursday’s meeting:

— (Tom Walters Gut wrenched over increase)

Councilman John Whiddon said the increase isn’t being proposed just for the sake of raising money, there are specific needs that must be paid for:

— (John Whiddon need maintenance)

Council woman Jose Rosales said that while the city expects to get grants to cover a portion of local projects, the city must chip in its share on others, such as the new UV treatment plant:

— (Jose Rosales need to pay our portion of UV Treatment Plant)

The city prepared a seven-page rate study listing the proposed increases in water and sewer rates over the next four years for all the different classification of users over the next four years.

The intent, as explained at last week’s meeting, is to allow users to review the proposed changes ahead of the September meeting when it is expected that the council will approve changes in rates.

I’m Maggie Wall.