Port Richey City Council raises water, sewer rates

PORT RICHEY — Hoping to keep its utility fund afloat, the City Council increased water and wastewater rates citywide Tuesday, elevating a typical resident's bill by about $5 a month.

Base and per-gallon rates were increased across the board, raising a 4,000-gallon water bill to about $45.

A higher increase that would have sent a similar home a bill for $53 — more than double the rate of Zephyrhills — was rejected last month.

The city had not changed its water and wastewater rates since 2002. In the last three years, the city has lost more than $1 million in its water and sewer fund, which was built to pay for itself.

"We have to turn this utility around," council member Terry Rowe said. "If we don't, our scalps are going to be on the line for raising this."