The breakdown
The new rates will charge multifamily units at 90% of the single-family rates, with volumetric water charges based on a per-unit basis, according to a Sept. 26 news release.
Council also approved the multifamily lifeline rate—already offered to single-family homeowners—which provides a 50% discount on water and sewer base rates for disabled and/or residents aged 65 and over who reside in apartments, according to the news release.
What they’re saying
- “The whole idea behind this water fee was to be equal, because right now, residential homeowners are subsidizing apartments,” council member Marsha Porter said. “It needed to be raised to be equal, and we're not trying to penalize anybody. We're just trying to make it equal across the board.”
- “The discrepancy between a single family using the minimum and an apartment resident was blatantly visible and whether we have a water crisis, or not, it should have been addressed before,” council member David Hairel said.
According to the news release, city officials are working to get a page up on the city's website with more detailed information.
