City of Hood River water, sewer rates to increase beginning July 1

City residential users can expect an average combined monthly increase of $10.04 in sewer and water rates. Longinetti said the average monthly rate will go from $67.68 to $70.56 for sewer and $47.29 to $54.45 for water.

City residential users will also see decreased water allowances. Staff has recommended that water allowance be set at 3,000 gallons per month, down from 5,000 gallons. Longinetti said 80% of residential users only exceed 3,000 gallons per month in the summer, which indicates elective usage. The decrease will also help conserve water.

Regarding stormwater, he said a stormwater utility plan, prepared by Bell Design Company, classifies the city’s current system as insufficient and identifies an estimated $39 million in capital improvements. Based on that assessment, a series of fee increases may be implemented over the next 10 years to provide the needed revenue; for the coming fiscal year, rates will go from $11.03 to $13.24 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU), or single-family residential household — an average of $2.21 per household.

No one offered public comment, and the resolution passed unanimously.