Glendale officials to host meetings on proposed water rate changes

A series of community meetings on proposed water rate changes in Glendale kicks off this week.

Officials have proposed that water rates be divided into multiple tiers based on the amount of water customers use. Under the plan, the biggest water users likely would see higher rates, while those who use the least could actually see their bills reduced.

Glendale Water & Power officials have said the changes are needed to boost revenues and erase $13.5-million worth of red ink. Increasing revenues through 2015 would also help pay for important infrastructure improvements, they added.

In November, the utility had sought changes to immediately boost revenue by 3%, but the City Council -- concerned about the financial impacts to customers -- backed a more modest 2% bump.

Under the option preferred by the City Council, an average single-family residence may see its monthly bill drop to $59.65 from $63.78 in the first year, while a high-scale user would see an increase from $158.05 to $164.30, according to a city report.

By 2015, average users would see bills increase by about $7.35.

The rates changes could go into effect starting in March after the public meetings and a final draft of the proposal goes back to the City Council.

The meetings, posted on Glendale Water & Power’s website, are scheduled for:

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday
Sparr Heights Community Center
1613 Glencoe Way, Glendale

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18
Brand Library, Recital Hall
1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19
Pacific Edison Community Center
501 South Pacific Avenue, Glendale

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Water rates could be divided into multiple tiers

-- Jason Wells and Brittany Levine, Times Community News

Twitter: @JasonBretWells

Photo: Sprinklers at the corner of Idlewood and Matilija Roads in Glendale on Thursday, April 14, 2011. Credit: Times Community News