San Gabriel Valley : Panel Urged to Raise Pomona Water Rates
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Pomona officials are urging the City Council to increase residential and business water rates by about 30% to fund an overhaul of the city’s decaying water system.
The council is not expected to give a positive reception to the recommendation developed by an independent consultant and the city’s Public Works Department when it considers the matter at Monday’s council meeting.
The proposal would result in a typical homeowner’s bimonthly bill jumping from $39 to $51. The increase would help fund more than $77 million in improvements over the next decade.
“I don’t think it is fair to make the citizens of today pay for the mistakes of previous councils and administrations who robbed the water company to pay city bills,” said Mayor Eddie Cortez.
Cortez said he accepts the need for an overhaul of a water system that has lines dating back to the 1800s. But the mayor said he is opposed to an immediate 30% increase and will ask the rate increase come in stages.
“We should increase the rate 10% this year and prioritize the money for the worst water lines,” he said.
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