VENTURA : City Gives 1st OK to Water, Sewage Hikes
Residential water and sewage rates in Ventura would rise 7% under a proposal given preliminary approval by the City Council.
An average household in Ventura now spends about $75.25 on water and sewage bimonthly. The ordinance under consideration by the council would raise that bill by $4.91 bimonthly.
In a 5-2 vote Monday, the council preliminarily approved an increase that also raises rates for commercial customers by 10% and industrial customers by 12% to 18%. Council members Jack Tingstrom and Jim Monahan voted against the increase because they said it was not good for business.
The increases will be effective July 1. The council still must vote on the fee hike again before May 23.
The fee hikes will pay for increased operating costs and future water and sewer projects.
A limited amount will pay for a low-interest loan program to help businesses invest in sanitation pre-treatment facilities that would lower overall sanitation costs.
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