A much-needed rate increase
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or a long time, Ogden residents have been paying lower rates for water and sewer service than they should. It may have eased the pocketbook some, but there were significant drawbacks. Junction City's system of pipes is in poor shape. Much of the infrastructure has been neglected.
That's going to change. We applaud the Ogden City Council for approving a five-year plan that will upgrade the city's storm, sewer and water drains. And we applaud the council for its candor in making it clear that this upgrade will cost residents. The "Water Horizons" plan rate increases go into effect Jan. 1, reports the Standard-Examiner's Scott Schwebke.
"We decided as a council that we needed to address it now because in the future it will be too expensive," Ogden City Council Chairman Jesse Garcia told Schwebke. He added that for 20-plus years, nothing has been done to address the water infrastructure needs.
In other words, improvements cost money. You can't get something for nothing. Ogden's water services desperately need improvement.
According to Schwebke's reporting, during winter, "residents with 3/4-inch pipes and without secondary water who use 3,000 gallons a month would see their monthly water bills increase from $9.27 to $14.09."
"If a resident used 6,000 gallons a month this winter, the rate increases from $13.08 to $17.69," reports Schwebke.
The council paid Salt Lake City consulting firm Lewis, Young, Robertson & Burningham $67,000 to figure out how to most efficiently raise rates. The plan involves rate hikes for all five years. They will be steep, but they are needed. Here's what Junction City will get for the extra money:
* better water pressure and supply (this is a big problem for the city's east bench)
* new water lines and improved infrastructure
* new and improved sewer pipes
* new storm drains and drain pipes
Ogden plans to borrow about $51 million to accomplish this, and pay for it with money from the rate increases.
As we mentioned, the rate hikes will be steep. There will be a 28 percent increase in 2008, 11 percent in 2009 and additional hikes in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, the rate will increase 5 percent. Qualified users can get a 50 percent low-income discount.
The Ogden City Council has made a tough, correct decision. The city will benefit with an upgraded, improved water, sewer and drain system.
We urge the council to make the case for the rate increase often and clearly in 2008 -- and beyond -- to residents who will feel the rate increases in their wallets and purses.
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