Average Monthly Sewer Rates Reduced – A CUB Victory for You!
Posted on May 15, 2015 by Janice Thompson
Tags, Water/Wastewater
CUB’s research and advocacy has reduced Portland’s residential monthly sewer rate increase. The proposed rate increase from the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) in February was 3.85%. Due to some revenue improvements, that percentage came down to 3.8%, but CUB’s efforts have pushed that number down to 3.6%. That means real money is staying in ratepayers’ pockets over the next city budget year.
Here is what we did:
CUB uncovered a City Council decision made back in 2011 that reduced the sewer system development charge paid by developers to BES due to the economic downturn. These charges are based on state guidelines and are the way developers pay their fair share for sewer systems that are built to accommodate future growth. Right now this charge is only 85% of what is allowed under state law. Over the last two fiscal years the resulting revenue loss came to $8.2 million and is essentially an inappropriate subsidy for developers.
CUB had been open to getting these sewer system charges paid by developers back up to what state law allows over two years. However, we are pleased to report that our advocacy prompted Mayor Hales to make this adjustment in one step. That’s a definite benefit for residential ratepayers, delivered sooner because of CUB.
CUB has identified some other needed adjustments in fees paid by developers and we’ll make sure those inappropriate subsidies paid for by ratepayers are addressed in the next budget.
But starting on July 1st, this CUB victory to make developers pay their fair share will begin to benefit ratepayers.
Additional background and details are available here.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or other suggestions at (503) 227-1984 x24 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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05/01/17 | 0 Comments | Average Monthly Sewer Rates Reduced – A CUB Victory for You!