Hermiston’s water and sewer rates will increase by another 4 percent on Jan. 1 – the third part of a four-stage 16-percent increase approved in October 2013.
The latest increase means bills will rise by about $2.34 per month for an average residential customer. Despite the increases, Hermiston continues to have some of the most affordable utility rates in Eastern Oregon, according to Hermiston Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan.
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Each year, said Morgan, the city compiles a report of the “Total Utility Burden,” which combines the cost of all utilities (water, sewer, garbage and electric), which allows for a comparison of the overall affordability of basic utilities.
An updated “Total Utility Burden” analysis shows that, compared to similar-sized Eastern Oregon cities (Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, Ontario and The Dalles), the average Hermiston resident saves between $337 and $881 per year on water, sewer, garbage, and electric combined, said Morgan. Although Hermiston raised rates for water and sewer since last year, the average resident’s savings compared to other communities actually grew because the other cities also raised rates in 2014.
Once the next 4-percent rate increase takes effect on Jan. 1, Hermiston residents will pay an average total utility rate of $149, compared to $177 for Baker City, $188 for Ontario, $212 for The Dalles, $215 for La Grande, and $222 for Pendleton.
“Due to other communities also raising their rates, Hermiston’s water rates will remain the most affordable out of all of the surveyed communities even after the full 16-percent increase reaches its final phase on July 1,” said Morgan. “Additionally, Hermiston’s sewer rates will continue to be the second most affordable once the final increase goes in to effect in July.”
The first part of the four-stage rate increase took effect on Jan. 1, 2014, and the second part took effect on July 1, 2014.
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