On May 27, 2014, the Snoqualmie City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed ordinance that would increase water, storm water, sewer and irrigation rates for the years 2014-2016.
For 2014, the combined (water, sewer, storm) rate hike for a typical single-family home would be about 14%. For commercial customers, the increase would be between 9% – 22%. The rates would then increase again in 2015 and 2016.
Residential Impacts for 2014 – 2016:
A public hearing has been set for May 27 at 7PM, prior to the council vote, for citizens and other water utility customers to offer feedback about the proposed increase. The hearing will be at Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 SE River Street.
The new rates would affect all customers in Snoqualmie’s water service area, including those receiving services in rural King County. A low-income rate discount of approximately 30% is possible for customers who qualify.
City officials say the increase would provide funding for city capital programs and operational needs for the three utilities: water, storm water, and sewer.
According to a recent presentation, city officials say current rates for Snoqualmie residential and commercial customers are much lower than surrounding cities like North Bend, Issaquah, Carnation and Duvall. A city press release states that if these cities also increase utility rates in the coming years, “Snoqualmie’s rates would continue to be on the low-end of the region’s rates.”
Verbal comments about the potential rate increase can be made at the May 27th public hearing. Written comments may be submitted to the City of Snoqualmie, PO Box 987, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, Attention: Jodi Warren, City Clerk. Written comments must be received on or before Friday, May 23, 2014 at 5PM.
To find out more details on the proposed rate increase, visit City of Snoqualmie website. If approved, the new rates would most likely be effective July 1, 2014.
