Imperial considering water, sewer rate hikes
IMPERIAL — Council here heard a proposal from city staff to raise water and sewer rates during a regular meeting Wednesday. The proposed rate increases comes after staff determined water and sewer treatment facilities need infrastructure improvements said Imperial Finance Director Laura Gutierrez.
The last time water rates were increased was in August 2013. Current water rates charge a $12 flat fee plus a consumption fee based on three different tiers. Tier 1 that comprises over 90 percent of users, charges $2.99 per 0 to 30 CCF (hundred cubic feet) of water.
Tier 2 pays $3.29 for usage of 31 to 35 CCF, while tier 3 pays $3.84 for 36 plus CCF.
The proposal will eliminate the tier system. Instead, for fiscal year 2017/2018 the flat rate will be $13.06 plus a consumption fee according to meter size from one inch or smaller to a six inch meter. Typical single family residency or a small office uses a one inch meter. Large businesses or manufacturers may use a three to six inch meter.
So, if a single family residency uses two units of water (one unit equals 748 gallons), they will pay $13.06 plus two times $3.36. The flat rate will increase to $14.12 in FY 2018/2019, $15.16 in FY 2019/2020, $15.77 in FY 2020/2021, $16.41 in FY 2021/2022. Consumption rates increase to $3.57 in FY 2018/2019, $3.75 in FY 2019/2020, $3.90 in FY 2020/21 and $4.06 in FY 2021/2022.
Sewer rates have will have a two-scenario proposal that hinge on whether some infrastructure projects are delayed with a smoother rate increase or all are completed on schedule with a faster increase. Current rates are at $48.40. Under the first scenario sewer rates rise to $53.46 in FY 2017/2018 or the second scenario, to $56.45. Accordingly, those rates in FY 2021/2022 rise to $66.22 or $69.92.
The proposed water rate increase was not an action item, only an informational item for council to give staff direction. A public hearing and rate resolution will be considered at the Dec. 6 council meeting. If higher rates are approved they will be effective on Jan. 1.
Council discusses medical marijuana dispensaries
Council further discussed a resolution that if passed, will allow medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.
While the resolution was under the action agenda, council only discussed how to proceed with staff.
The city will hold public hearings to hear input from the public, those dates are yet to be determined.
The council will bring back the dispensaries consideration to the agenda at the Oct. 18 meeting as a work session item, not as an action item so no vote will be taken at that time.
In July, city council tentatively selected the northeast corner of Highway 86 and Aten Road where dispensaries could operate but included language that restrains dispensaries from operating within 1,000 feet of one another and essentially caps the number of dispensaries permitted in that confined space.