Spokane water bill shocker: most paid less this summer
The results are in and they're somewhat shocking.
Spokane's utility billing department has compiled the data from water bills that were received in August and September, and 53 percent of them were less than they would have been under the 2010 rate structure.
Other stats (the ones that may indicate why some are upset):
- 37 percent paid up to $50 more during the two-month cycle.
- 7 percent paid between $50 and $100 more during the two-month cycle.
- 3 percent paid more than $100 more during the two-month cycle.
The City Council voted in May 2010 to redo the water rate structure to lower rates on those who use less and increase rates on those who use more.
The city estimated that 60 percent of customers would pay less over the course of the year under the new system, but that wasn't expected necessarily for the summer months -- especially because of the huge outcry heard from the public since summer bills were mailed. Mayor Mary Verner has said she will introduce a new rate structure before the end of the year.
For more data, click on the document link attached to this entry.
