The Centralia City Council unanimously approved, on second reading, an increase to the city’s stormwater rates on Tuesday.
The council voted 6-0. Officials say the move is necessary to protect the city’s infrastructure.
The rates for a single family home will rise from $6 to $8 this year, $9 in 2016 and $10 in 2017. Commercial properties will have the same rates and incremental increases, along with additional charges (also raised incrementally) for equivalent service units, which will vary depending on the business’s discharge system, from $1.30 to $4 for 2015. The first round of increases will begin in June of this year and January of the following years.
Also, starting Jan. 1 of every year beginning in 2018, the rates will be adjusted to reflect the changes in inflation.
The city of Centralia Stormwater Utility was formed in November 2004 via an ordinance that also made the utility responsible for stormwater and surface water quality and operations.
The ordinance was approved on first reading 6-0 April 14.
