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City water bill may increase
5/14/2008 12:19 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By APRIL BAILEY

Staff writer

City residents could see a 5 percent increase on their monthly water bills if a proposal to raise rates is approved by City Council.

Council members gave initial approval of an ordinance that would establish new water and sewer fees during Monday's City Council meeting with a unanimous vote.

If approved on second reading, the new rates would go into effect on July 1. City officials say the proposed increase is an effort to balance the City's rising water and sewer expenses, such as electricity and chemical costs, with its revenue that is not increasing at the same rate.

Over the past 11 years, the City's water and sewer expenses have gone up an average of 5.7 percent, while its revenue has increased only 2.7 percent, City Manager Roger LeDuc said.

City officials say the imbalance has resulted in a lack of manpower that, over time, has caused the City to fall behind with maintenance and infrastructure improvements.

For the average customer, the increase would add about $1.65 a month to each month's bill, LeDuc said. Even with the increase, LeDuc said Aiken's rates will still rank second lowest in the state. Compared to the state average, Aiken's water and sewer rates are currently 49 percent less, LeDuc said.

He summed up the City's dilemma by saying, "The good news is that we're the second lowest in the state; the bad news is we're the second lowest in the state."

Aiken City Councilwoman Beverly Clyburn said she was reluctant to approve the proposal when considering that many residents may not be able to afford it.

Councilwoman Lessie Price agreed. She said even small increases could have a large impact on those with fixed incomes, since the costs for food and medical expenses are also rising.

"I know folks that only have $15 left over at the end of the month to budget," she said.

Clyburn suggested that City officials create a tiered fee system structured in a way so that residents who use more water pay the majority of the increased fees. Clyburn said the system would also encourage residents to make an effort to conserve water.

"If you are conserving, you should not have to bear the brunt of a 5 percent increase," she said.

LeDuc told Council members that for the next reading, City officials would have an alternative for them to consider, which will include an option for a fee system based on a sliding scale.

Council members also approved the first measure of a proposal that would increase commercial garbage rates about $1.76 per trip. As with the water and sewer rates, City officials say the proposed increase is an effort to keep up with rising fuel costs and landfill fees. The increased service fees are expected to total $65,000 in revenue for the City.

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com





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