Another big jump in water and sewer rates will continue to be a challenge for residents. Averaging 9% per year, the rates will double approximately every eight years! The Department of Public Works works hard and deserves appropriate raises and indeed cost of materials continues to climb. As evidenced by the constant construction and emergency water main repairs needed, much of our 100-year-old infrastructure had been neglected for quite a while; we can place blame squarely on the “rates never went up that much back in my day” folks!

So here we are paying the piper. A few ways to mitigate the cost increases for individuals, is to work more to conserve water (see rain barrels, fixing leaks, low flow toilets etc.) and to continue to grow our city in sewer serviced areas. Infill construction, more units (yes even accessory dwelling units) and more people to share the costs help everyone.

Garth Shaneyfelt

Greenfield