Fayetteville Council members March 16 will take up the issue of increasing water and sewer rates by about 15 percent and revising the sewer proportionate share for new development.

Slated for a first reading, the proposed amendment to the water and sewer rate structure is intended to help meet the financial needs of the city’s Water and Sewer Utility System, Assistant Finance Director Ellen Walls said in a Feb. 8 memo.

Rate tables show that the proposed structure would result in a combined water and sewer increase of approximately 15 percent.

Residential water bill comparisons based on 7,500 gallons per month showed $25.20 in 2005 for Fayetteville. The amount was lower than all other cities in the area.

Also proposed is an increase in the sewer proportionate share rates. The proposed adjustment, said Walls, would deflect new facility cost away from existing customers and place the responsibility on new commercial and residential development.

Council members will also consider approval of a policy addressing city funding of non-profit organizations. The proposed policy requires that each non-profit requesting funding complete an annual application prior to April 1. If approved, the organization would enter into a funding agreement with the city.

login to post comments