Advertisement

Water and sewer rates to rise in Pinellas County

 
Published May 20, 2015

CLEARWATER — Water and sewer rates in Pinellas County will increase slightly over the next four years as part of a plan the County Commission approved Tuesday.

At the second of two hearings, the commission voted 6-1 to pass the rate hikes despite pleas from about a dozen residents.

Commissioner Dave Eggers voted no, saying he didn't think increases were needed this year.

Here is a rundown:

• The monthly base water rate charged on each bill for retail customers, which includes residences, will increase from $6.35 to $6.80 in 2019, or 1.75 percent each year. The per-thousand gallon rate will rise from $4.78 to $5.13 in the same period.

• The per-thousand gallon rate for wholesale water customers also will increase by 1.75 percent each year, from the current $3.85 to $4.13.

• The monthly base rate for retail sewer customers will increase from the current $13.26 to $13.66 in 2019. The per-thousand gallon rate will rise from the current $4.84 to $4.99.

• The per-thousand gallon rate for wholesale sewer customers will rise from the current $4.17 to $4.30 in 2019.

• Increases through 2019 were also approved for retail and wholesale reclaimed water rates. The retail rates will rise by $1 per year, and the user fee assessed per thousand gallons will increase 5 cents per year.

The increases will appear on bills on or after Oct. 1 and on Oct. 1 for each subsequent year.