For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Feb. 15, 2007

Board to consider water rate increase

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners will hold a hearing Feb. 20 to gather public comments regarding a proposed 9.2 percent increase in water rates.

Tuesday’s hearing will be followed on March 20 by a second hearing, after which the elected board is expected to vote on the proposed water rate increase. Both hearings will be held during the commissioners’ regular board meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the North Building at EWEB, 500 E. Fourth Ave.

The rate increase, if approved by the Board of Commissioners, would be effective with May bills. Residential customers would see an increase of approximately 8.6 percent, or $1.31 for the average residential customer using 9,000 gallons per month.

Even after the increase, the bill for the average EWEB residential customer will remain the second lowest among 15 urban water districts in Oregon, at $16.54 per month.

The water rate increase would be used for additional capital improvements, to rebuild reserves and for general operational cost increases. The additional revenue needs were included in the 2007 budget approved by EWEB commissioners in December, also following two public hearings.