ANAHEIM : Water Plan Cuts Rates for Residents by 10%

Residents would pay less for water and business and industrial users would pay more under a rate restructuring plan that will be considered Tuesday by the City Council.

The proposal also calls for the city to increase its water revenue by 1.5%, effective Aug. 1, a move that would raise about $500,000 per year.

Residential water users are now subsidizing water rates for commercial and industrial users, according a city report. Under the new plan, the overall rate structure would be more equitable, according to Edward K. Aghjayan, Anaheim’s public utilities general manager.

Aghjayan estimates that as the restructuring is phased in over five years, water rates would drop about 10% for single-family residences. During the same period, rates would increase about 10% for businesses and industries.

Also on the council agenda Tuesday is a proposal to seek federal funding for a five-year program aimed at steering youths from gangs and illegal drug use.

Anaheim could receive up to $500,000 per year over a five-year period from the Department of Health and Human Services. The city would be required to put up 25% in matching resources if the federal grant is approved.

The City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Information: (714) 254-5100.