Watsonville’s utility rates to increase if proposal OK’d

WATSONVILLE — Utility rates in Watsonville could be on the rise over the next five years, if a proposal by the city of Watsonville Public Works and Utilities Department is successful.

Solid waste, water and sewer are being targeted for steady increases until 2017. The monthly rate for a 32-gallon garbage container pickup is proposed to increase $1-2 every year to $30.79 by 2017, up from the current $22.58 rate. Rates for the 68- and 95-gallon cans are proposed to rise as well.

Sewer rates for residential are proposed to increase close to $9 over the five-year period. Water meter rates could also experience an increase.

Steve Palmisano, assistant director of public works and utilities for the city of Watsonville, said the proposed increases are necessary for the continued maintenance and replacement of the city’s aging water lines.



For the complete article see the 05-15-2012 issue.

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