The City of Sumner needs to set its new utility rates as part of the 2013-2014 budget cycle.  The proposal is for the residential water bill base rate to go from the current $12.30 to $17.22 in 2013 and $19.63 in 2014.  The residential sewer bill base rate is proposed to go from the current $41.27 to $45.61 in 2013 and $50.39 in 2014.  Storm rates are proposed to stay the same in 2013 at $9.97 and increase to $10.84 in 2014. 

A 2012 Water, Sewer, and Storm Rate Study showed that these increases are necessary to keep pace with costs needed to supply and distribute water as well as collect and safely treat stormwater and sewage.  Unfortunately, low water rates in previous years have left little to no funding for needed water supply, emergency repairs and routine upgrades to keep the systems functioning well. 

Some councilmembers asked to see an alternate proposal that spread the increases out further.  That option would raise rates 26% in 2013 and 26% in 2014, but this option also carries higher risk of the system falling further behind necessary construction.  The Central Well, Sumner's next water source, was scheduled for construction in 2013, adding a new water supply and taking advantage of the current low rate for municipal bonds to finance the project.  Delaying its construction means increased risk of Sumner's water utility not being able to support a major water need like a large fire and also increases the risk that bond rates will go up, making the project more expensive overall. 

With its current rates, Sumner has nearly the lowest combined utility rate in Pierce County.   Since other cities in the region are also considering rate increases, it is expected that Sumner's combined 2013 utility rates, even with the first proposal, will likely be in the mid-range when compared to other Pierce County cities. 

October 31, 5-7 pm