City of Pacific residents and business owners likely will see an increase in their wastewater, stormwater and water utility bills.
Jim Morgan, public works manager, presented the proposed rate hikes during a public hearing Monday.
The City Council is expected to adopt the plan at its Nov. 28 meeting. Morgan said the new rates would go into effect Jan. 1.
The monthly service charge for a single-family residence for stormwater service would increase from an average of $13.25 to $15 per month. Wastewater rates would increase from $63.25 to $70.22 per month. Residents will notice the most significant adjustment in their water utility bills, which would increase from $26.52 to $42.25 per month. That combined total of $127.47 would represent a $24.45 increase per month.
Rate hikes for commercial business will be more substantial. A business owner who paid $261.25 on average per month for all three services in 2016 can expect to spend $315.95 next year.
Morgan said the rate increases were recommended for several reasons. In addition to an increase in costs to provide those services, he said improvements need to occur to Pacific’s water system. Those include meter replacements, which he said will reduce time spent reading them, alert staff of leaks to reduce waste and eliminate failing gauges. In addition, Morgan said the City needs to pursue some capital projects, including replacement of the water main on Thornton Avenue.
“It’s an undersized AC (asbestos-cement) main in an industrial and commercial area,” Morgan said.
Elsewhere
The City Council voted 4-0 to approve the condemnation of properties at 224 County Line Road, and 638 and 646 Yakima Avenue. All three were owned by the late Joseph Baguio. Only the County Line Road property has a house on it, which is 2,050 square feet and has four bedrooms and 2½ bathrooms, according to the King County assessor’s website. The house was built in 1981.
According to Morgan, the City wants to acquire those properties to construct an expanded public works facility next year. City officials pursued condemnation of the properties after negotiations between Baguio’s heir and City Attorney Carol Morris proved unsuccessful.
