WCOM NEWS

8-1-04

Miramar increases water, sewer rates

MIRAMAR--Many residents soon will see an increase in their water and sewer fees.

The base water rate, which is the minimum monthly charge, will go up 53 cents for all residents, and sewer rates will rise only for residents who live west of Palm Avenue.

"We are trying to balance out the rates because we are one city," Mayor Lori Moseley said.

During a recent meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 for the increases, which will cover the costs associated with rising operating costs and maintaining reserves.

The city raised utility rates by 1 percent in both 1998 and 1999.

Moseley said those increases were based on estimated usage, and these new rates will be based on actual usage.

"For the east we had a record of usage, so we knew what to charge," she said. "The west was developing a system. Now we know the exact cost to run it, so we can even the cost out."

Making the sewage treatment rate uniform throughout the city means all residents eventually will pay $11.50 a month. Eastern residents now pay $11.50 and western residents about $7.

Western residents will see their sewer bills increase over the next two years. Also, the base rate for drinking water will go up from $7.09 to $7.62.

The new rates are based on a five-year study conducted by Public Resources Management Group Inc., a utility, rate, financial and management consultant.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Lori Sykes) 8-01-04