The Roseville Council raised utility rates by 15.7 percent, an increase of $17.12 per quarter for an average single family home that uses 72,000 gallons of water in a year.
The figures include recycling, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and the base fee for water. The council tabled a decision on water usage rates to its January meeting.
The council voted unanimously in favor of the rate increases even though Council member Tammy McGehee expressed reservations about the action. She said the increases were consistent with a trend of overburdening Roseville residents.
“It doesn’t seem to me a feasible business plan to go along for a period of time and then all of a sudden impose expenditures in a two-year period of raising things $4 million,” she said. “We’re basically asking the taxpayers to pay it in terms of tax levy and also in terms of increased fees.”
Mayor Dan Roe said that the council has been working to stabilize the city’s services and fees.
“We are on a target toward not having large ups and downs,” Roe said. “But in order to do that, we did need to start paying for things.” 2012 2013 $ Increase % Increase Water – base fee $40.09 $49.50
Water – usage fee
(tabled until January)
147.33 165.35 $18.02 12.2% Total (passed at 12/10 meeting) $17.12 15.7%
