PORT ANGELES – Port Angeles utility customers will see a bump in some of their rates next year.
The city will increase water and wastewater rates starting Jan. 1, adding about $100 dollars a year for most residential customers. The city council approved the hike in a 6-1 vote this week with Council Member Brendan Meyer opposing it.
City Finance Director Sarina Carrizosa says water rates will rise a little over six dollars per month and waster water will go up about two dollars a month for the vast majority of customers. The residential water base rate will go up just under 15 percent with commercial rates increasing up to 16%.
Wastewater rates will rise about one to two and half percent based on pipe size.
Carrizosa stressed the importance of balancing affordability with growing expenses, noting that Port Angeles has the highest water rates among 15 comparable cities. She says the city continues to struggle with overall affordability compared to the comparable cities, and its more than just utility rates.
“And for Port Angeles, residents household costs are amongst the lowest of our comparables. When we compare those costs of the percent of household income used for these expenses or Angeles is the fourth highest up 43%. So this just really speaks to the affordability of our community. And so while we have done a great job of keeping our rates, very low, especially as compared to other cities are household income, affordability to a residence is still a factor,” said Carrizosa.
Low-income residents can apply for a 25% to 35% discount on utilities.
The city will review other utility rates, including electric and solid waste, next fall.