Water rate vote Monday in Brockton (60% Rate Hike?? Seriously??)

Water rate vote Monday in Brockton
Councilors are divided on whether to implement a steep hike.

By Elaine Allegrini
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
Posted Mar 08, 2008 @ 10:25 PM
BROCKTON —

A 60 percent hike in water rates is gaining support as it heads for a City Council vote on Monday.

“I believe I have to change my vote,” Ward 5 Councilor Dennis DeNapoli said just days after he cast one of five votes opposing the measure when it was presented to the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee’s 6-5 vote came last week as the city awaits the arrival of desalinated water from Aquaria, the company contracted to resolve the city’s longstanding water supply woes.

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“The city can’t afford another $4 million,” said DeNapoli, predicting other councilors would also see the benefits of approving the hike.

“It’s only $30 a quarter, 30 cents a day,” he said.

“It’s a good rate,” added Councilor-at-large Todd Petti. “I look at it in terms of what we’re getting. It’s a good deal.”

He said the increase put the water rate at less than 4 cents a gallon, up from the current 2.1 cents a gallon.

“I think it’s a fair amount,” said Petti.

More:
http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x1485933882

When was the last time the rates were raised and are the "new" ones comparable to other cities? Maybe they've just had very low rates for a long time. Otherwise, probably a budget problem. These are increasingly tough times.