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Cities decry Water Agency’s proposed 10% rate hike

Posted by: Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:17 am

From the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:

“Santa Rosa and Petaluma, hard hit by sweeping budget reductions, are calling on the Sonoma County Water Agency to make some cuts of its own instead of passing on rate increases of 9 to 10 percent.

The cities are especially unhappy because they have laid off hundreds of workers and curtailed services, and now face the prospect of telling residents they have to pay higher water bills.

“We are all making cuts to programs and staff and benefits,” said Santa Rosa Mayor Susan Gorin. “It is important for the Water Agency to look to reduce their costs as well.”

It also rankles cities that at the same time the Water Agency is proposing the increase, it wants city residents to cut back on water use as they did during the water shortage last summer.

“When local governments like the cities and the county are facing a lot of layoffs and no increases, it is very hard for us as contractors to justify a rate increase, especially if they are planning on delivering less water,” said Petaluma Mayor Pam Torliatt. … “

Continue reading this article from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.

March 20, 2010 · Filed Under Northern California

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