Friday, June 25, 1999
Hamilton raises water rate 10%
Councilmen fear trend from hike
BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON — Although officials say most residents will barely notice the effects of rate changes in their utility bills, at least two city councilmen fear a 10 percent water rate increase is opening the door for larger and larger increases.
Council on Wednesday approved the water rate hike along with a 5 percent gas rate decrease. Effective July 1, the average water bill will go up $1.17, while the average gas bill will drop by $1.21, said City Manager Stephen E. Sorrell. “It's more an adjustment of the two funds,” he said. “It'll have a minimal effect on the normal customer.”
Since the increase was made public in late May, city leaders have received “very limited reaction” from citizens, Mr. Sorrell said.
But Councilman George McNally, who voted against the measures, warned that utility administrators had asked for a 38 percent hike in water rates. “This council is only going after 10 percent. How soon will it be before we have to go for 20 or 25 percent?” he asked.
Although Councilman Richard Holzberger voted in favor of the rate changes along with the remaining five council members, he said he shares Mr. McNally's concerns.
“We may have to come back and ask for more. I have great fear of that,” he said Thursday. However, Mr. Holzberger said he thought he should support this increase because it is justified by increasing costs of inflation, Environmental Protection Agency requirements and capital improvements.
The city has commissioned a study of the efficiency of its utilities, and Mr. Holzberger said he is hopeful that the study might find ways to cut costs and stave off future rate increases.
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