FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Water, Trash Rates Boosted in New Budget
The City Council has adopted a 1995-96 budget that includes higher rates for water and trash collection.
The $46.8-million operating budget includes a $23.35 million for the general fund, a $5.2-million water budget and $4.8 million for infrastructure projects such as street and sewer maintenance and repairs.
Fiscal Services Manager Elizabeth Fox said the city will have to delay hiring to fill 16 vacant positions but will maintain all city programs and existing public-safety and other services.
To reduce costs in recent years, the city has consolidated operations of some divisions, such as the building and fire departments, and has eliminated some positions, including building manager, Fox said.
Public Works Director Wayne S. Osborne said that, if water rates were not raised, the city would face a $366,000 deficit in its water fund.
The water rate increase approved Tuesday will consist of a 5.4% hike to take effect July 1 and another 4.4% increase Sept. 1. That will bring the residential rate to $19 a month, up from $17.30 a month now.
The council also agreed to raise trash pickup rates by 10% to offset higher landfill fees being charged by Orange County.
That will bring residents’ garbage collection fee effective July 1 to $16.46 a month, an increase of $1.26.
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