Ephrata water rates increase

Funds to be used for road repairs

EPHRATA - Monthly base water rates in Ephrata are increasing to help fund major repairs of roadways and water mains within the city.

During a Wednesday night meeting, council unanimously approved to raise the rates within the city limits and the Urban Growth Area surrounding the city effective Jan. 1.

Rates increase $8 per month for residential meters, multi-family meters and commercial meters within the city limits, according to city documents.

Rates increase $10 per month for residential meters, multi-family meters and commercial meters within the Urban Growth Area.

Irrigation meters within the city limits increase $4 and irrigation meters within the Urban Growth Area increase $5 per month, according to city records.

Industrial meters within the city limits increase $20 per month and industrial meters within the Urban Growth Area increase $25.

The rate increase is effective for 20 years. After 2028, the council can eliminate the increase after conducting additional public hearings.

The city received a Public Works Trust Fund Loan for $6.6 million with a .5 percent interest rate to repair and replace aging roadways and water mains. The interest rate is deferred until the first three phases of the project are complete.

The city must supply close to $991,000 in matching funds.

The water rate increase helps pay for the matching funds. City savings, general fund money and water and sewer funds will be used in addition to pay for the matching funds.

The roads slated for repairs include L Street to Nob Hill Drive and parallel roadways in between. Parts of A, C, D and E streets are included. Portions of Pioneer Avenue, Smith Avenue, Orchard Avenue and Fourth Avenue through Ninth Avenue will also be repaired.

City staff originally applied for $7.65 million to complete all four phases of the project. The state awarded enough funds to cover three phases of the project. City staff is hopeful they can received funding for the final phase in the future.

Two public hearings were held on Sept. 5 and Sept. 19 without any public comments being provided.

Construction is expected to begin in April in the northeast quadrant of the city.

Councilmembers Steve Lovitt and Chris Youngberg were absent from the meeting.

More street improvements for Ephrata

EPHRATA - The Ephrata City Council approved funds for improvements to A Street Northeast and E Street Northeast on Wednesday.

Council unanimously approved an amount not to exceed $20,000 to pave portions of E Street and to build sidewalks on A Street and E Street.

The new sidewalk is routed toward Division Street, according to city documents.

Half of E Street isn't paved, City Administrator Wes Crago said. The installation of sidewalks will serve as an example for developers to build sidewalks in future developments.

Council is considering creating an ordinance requiring developers to install sidewalks with all future developments.

- Staff report