Document text
Proposed water-rate boost subject of Medford hearing Meeting is today Who : Medford Water Commission What : Public hearing concerning rate increase When : 12:30 p.m. today Where : 200 S. Ivy St., rooms 151/157 The Medford Water Commission has scheduled a public hearing today because it wants to raise rates. Commission Manager Ed Olson said the monthly rate increase for all city households would be the same -- one penny per 1,000 gallons, plus 18 cents on the $4 base charge. For the average city residence, which uses about 175,000 gallons a year, the increase amounts to just under $4 a year, Olson said. "That's about 3 percent," he added, blaming the increase on inflation. If passed, the new rates would take effect March 1. According to Olson, the increase is more for residential customers outside the city limits -- 4 cents per 1,000 gallons, plus 16 cents on the monthly base charge. For cities that use Medford water (Central Point, Eagle Point, Phoenix and Jacksonville) the rate increase will also be a penny per 1,000 gallons. The commission also serves five small water districts. Their rate increase will be 2 cents per 1,000 gallons, Olson said. Olson hastened to note that the increases for other cities and districts do not automatically mean higher rates for customers in those jurisdictions. The monthly base charge is higher for businesses, which have bigger water meters because they typically use more water, Olson added. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA