Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 31, 1995 TAG: 9503310060
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAN CASEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Sewer rates in the most recent quarterly billing cycle have been raised 14 percent, the second of three annual increases. The city is using the money to pay for its share of planned expansions at a regional waste-water treatment plant.
The increase has spawned letters to city leaders such as Mayor David Bowers and City Manager Bob Herbert. It has also prompted telephone calls to the the city's office of billings and collections.
``We're getting about 10-15 calls a day, inquiring on the rate,'' said Deborah Moses, billings and collections chief. ``Callers say, `What happened?'''
In 1994, customers paid a sewer rate of $1.13 for every 750 gallons of water that flowed into their house. This year, the rate is $1.29 per 750 gallons.
Sewer rates will jump again at the beginning of 1996. By that time, the city's 34,000 residential customers will be paying 50 percent more for sewer service than they were in 1992.
The three-step annual increase was approved by City Council in 1993, as the city contemplated paying millions for its share of the $41.5 million expansion of the regional sewage plant.
Roanoke County has increased its sewer rates for the past two years, and residents can expect to see another boost in July, said Bob Fronk, county utility engineer.
City water rates also have been on the rise in recent years, but last July's increase was the last anticipated for a while, Moses said.
Still, Roanoke's rates compare favorably with those of most surrounding jurisdictions. The sewer portion of quarterly bills based on 30,000 gallons would be $50.31.
In Roanoke County, the same use in a three-month period would cost $52.39, while in Salem it would cost $55.53, Roanoke Finance Director Jim Grisso said.
Only Vinton, which charges $45.65 for 30,000 gallons, is lower.
Add in water rates, as the regular bills do, and city utilities look like an even better buy.
The cost for 30,000 gallons in Roanoke, at $34.23, is less than half the $92.51 charged by Roanoke County. It's also significantly cheaper than Vinton, at $49.13, and Salem, which charges $46.05.
To reduce water use and bills, Moses recommends that residents:
Check faucets and toilets for leaks.
Take shorter showers.
Use washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
Water lawns early or late in the day, when the moisture is least likely to evaporate.
by CNB