Politics & Government

19 Percent Water Rate Hike Over Next Two Years Approved By EBMUD Board

East Bay Municipal Utility District directors approved water rate hikes Tuesday that will raise the average customer's monthly bill by about $8 over the next two years.

The first increase takes effect July 1 and will raise rates 9.75 percent in fiscal year 2014. The average EBMUD customer who uses 246 gallons of water a day will see their bill increase by $3.96 a month.

The second increases kicks in on July 1, 2014 and raises rates by 9.5 percent in fiscal year 2015. The average customer will see an increase in their monthly bill of $4.19.

The 2014 EBMUD budget for water and wastewater programs is $713 million. The budget for 2015 is $739 million.

EBMUD officials said the rate hikes are mostly needed to repair and maintain the district's system of pipelines and treatment facility.

Officials said the district has cut expenses and employees have foregone raises to help balance the budget in recent years. However, they said, additional revenues are now needed.

In 2011, the district board approved water rate hikes of 6 percent for both fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2013.




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