Lewiston city councilors may consider incremental rate hikes over the next decade for water and wastewater following a presentation by a consultant.
Under the proposal, the city would enact annual rate hikes that would increase revenues by 4.5 percent for wastewater and 5.25 percent for water. It would be aimed at short-term projects like pipe replacement while still saving funds for more expensive capital projects in the future.
If adopted, the move would allow reserves to accumulate that could be used to fund capital projects included in city master plans or other unexpected needs as they arise. Consultants say having the money on hand would also save money long-term by allowing the city to avoid incurring debt to pay for the projects, along with the associated interest and finance charges.
The council adopted 40 percent increases to water meter and wastewater rates in 2018 to generate the revenue needed to finance the bonds approved voters last year for overhauls at the city’s two treatment plants.
Lewiston Public Works Director Chris Davies says a smaller, incremental rate increases every year would allow the city to have that cash on hand when needs arise. (Lewiston Tribune)
