Moses Lake utility rates to increase

Cost should rise 4.1 percent in May

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake citizens are expected to see a slight increase in water and sewer rates soon.

The Moses Lake City Council approved an approximate 4.1 percent increase for monthly water and sewer fees during the Tuesday night council meeting. The ordinance was passed on the first reading.

Finance Director Ron Cone said rate adjustment is increased according to the Consumer Price Index.

The residential water rate for the first 500 cubic feet of water is proposed to cost $20.85 per month, according to city documents. It currently costs $20. For each additional 100 cubic feet it's proposed to cost 75 cents. It currently costs 70 cents.

Residential sewer rates are proposed to increase from $29.25 per month to $30.45 per month, according to city documents.

Increases for duplexes and commercial uses are similar.

Mayor Ron Covey said the rates are increased each year to prevent the council from approving a sudden large increase. He said several years ago the city approved an increase in excess of 30 percent because they neglected to increase the rates for a few years in a row.

The new rates are expected to be official May 1.

To view the proposed rate increases visit http://www.ci.moses-lake.wa.us/index.php?page_id=206, click on the March 11 city council agenda and click on page 35.

The council is required to approve a second reading of the ordinance before the rates are final.