Utility rate increase of 2.9 percent through 2020 gets hearing before Spokane City Council on Monday

A 2.9 percent rate increase for water, sewer and garbage services provided within the City of Spokane is up for a vote Monday night.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on a legislative package that establishes three years of rate increases tied to inflation, beginning Jan. 1. Under the plan, a typical user of city services will see a $3.47 increase in their monthly bill to a total of about $120 beginning next year. The rates would run through 2020.

The council will also consider a rebate program for homeowners over the age of 61 who already receive a property tax exemption from the state. If approved, eligible low-income seniors or disabled military veterans would receive a $10 credit per month on their utility bills from the city.

Rate increases are needed to continue funding the construction of stormwater tanks stopping the flow of sewage into the Spokane River, cleaning the city’s drinking water supply and paying off bond debt for other capital projects, city leaders said.

The council will consider the rate increases at their regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the basement of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Public testimony will be taken.