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Tarpon To Consider Raising Utility Rates Tonight

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: July 22, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS -- A recommendation by a consultant, proposing to hike water and sewer rates promises to bring out protesting residents to tonight's City Commission meeting.
In recent weeks, residents have e-mailed city officials saying they need a break from rising costs. Even a few dollars increase is too much, the messages declare.
Meanwhile, a consultant from Burton and Associates will tell city officials a rate hike is needed to offset rising costs and an expected drop in water and sewer revenue.

One option proposed by the consultant would find residents paying a 10 percent increase in rates in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, then an annual increase of 2.75 percent between 2011 and 2017.

Another proposed option is a 6.5 percent rate increase for the city's next budget year, which begins Oct. 1, and in 2010, followed by a 2.75 increase from 2011 to 2013, then a 7.75 percent increase in 2014 and 2015 to fund expected waste water treatment plant expansion, and finally a 2.75 percent for the next two years.

A third option proposes annual 4.75 percent increases in rates through 2017.

At tonight's public rate hearing, which begins 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, commissioners can present their own ideas or ask the consultant to tweak each scenario.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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