Water rate vote Monday in Brockton (60% Rate Hike?? Seriously??)

[Ian David]

Water rate vote Monday in Brockton
Councilors are divided on whether to implement a steep hike.

By Elaine Allegrini
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
Posted Mar 08, 2008 @ 10:25 PM
BROCKTON —

A 60 percent hike in water rates is gaining support as it heads for a City Council vote on Monday.

“I believe I have to change my vote,” Ward 5 Councilor Dennis DeNapoli said just days after he cast one of five votes opposing the measure when it was presented to the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee’s 6-5 vote came last week as the city awaits the arrival of desalinated water from Aquaria, the company contracted to resolve the city’s longstanding water supply woes.

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“The city can’t afford another $4 million,” said DeNapoli, predicting other councilors would also see the benefits of approving the hike.

“It’s only $30 a quarter, 30 cents a day,” he said.

“It’s a good rate,” added Councilor-at-large Todd Petti. “I look at it in terms of what we’re getting. It’s a good deal.”

He said the increase put the water rate at less than 4 cents a gallon, up from the current 2.1 cents a gallon.

“I think it’s a fair amount,” said Petti.

More:
http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x1485933882

[Fearless]

1. The big question would be...

When was the last time the rates were raised and are the "new" ones comparable to other cities? Maybe they've just had very low rates for a long time. Otherwise, probably a budget problem. These are increasingly tough times.