December 22, 2009 in City

Spokane sewer rates to rise

Extra $5 a month will help keep pollutants out of river, boost capacity at wastewater plant

Jonathan Brunt The Spokesman-Review

Sewer rates in Spokane will jump almost $5 a month next year.

The Spokane City Council on Monday approved the new rates, which were proposed by Spokane Mayor Mary Verner, in a 4-3 vote.

The rates are based on a city-commissioned study that recommends significant sewer-rate increases through 2013 to pay for $750 million in sewage plant upgrades to lower the city’s phosphorus emissions and to stop the release of raw sewage into the Spokane River. Projects also would increase the city’s capacity at its wastewater plant, which border Riverside State Park.

Sewer service will rise to $37.43 a month …

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Comments 04

Four comments on this story so far. Add yours!

dick adams on December 22 at 7:58 a.m.
The ship of fools who voted to increase utility rates instead of tightening the city belt have no idea how a corporation the size of Spokane should operate. Thanks to the 3 council members who voted, NO. I`ll be interested to see how many folks will have their services disconnected.

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Lewis on December 22 at 9:45 a.m.
sadly the only way to disconnect is to install and septic tank and that is illegal in most parts of the city. they got us by the Holly and they know it. only option move out of this cow town.

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Janice Moerschel on December 22 at 12:23 p.m.
What a shame that the City Council didn't heed those who opposed this rate hike. It is a very bad time to put an additional financial burden on Spokanites. I will remember who voted for and against this and will be much more inclined to support those who voted against the rate increase. Why doesn't the city know how to tighten their belts - like the rest of us?

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Lewis on December 22 at 6:39 p.m.
They don't have to tighten their wallets they can put their hands in ours when ever they want.

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