Hillsboro Water Rate Increase Takes Effect Oct. 1

From The City of Hillsboro: With an eye on meeting the community’s future water supply needs and continuing the delivery of essential services today, the City of Hillsboro Utilities Commission voted unanimously on August 8, 2017 to approve an 11 percent water rate increase for all City of Hillsboro water customers, effective October 1, 2017.

The decision comes after extensive public outreach that offered community members numerous opportunities
to provide feedback, discuss rate challenges, and seek ideas and solutions for managing cost issues. In July 2017, the Utilities Commission received public comment on the proposed water rate increase during a water rate public hearing.

The water rate change will be applied specifically to the water portion of the City of Hillsboro Utility Bill, not thesanitary sewer, surface water, or transportation utility fees managed by the City of Hillsboro Public Works
Department and Clean Water Services. A typical residential customer uses nearly 6,000 gallons of water per month (equivalent to 800 cubic feet). With the approved rate change, the water portion of the monthly City of Hillsboro Utility Bill for a typical residential customer will increase $3.25, from $29.50 to $32.75.

The City’s rates will remain among the lowest in the Portland metro region, said Kevin Hanway, Director of the City of Hillsboro Water Department.

“The City of Hillsboro Water Department’s job is to protect public health and ensure our customers receive
clean, drinkable water,” Hanway said. “The Hillsboro Water Department has been delivering reliable water
service for more than 75 years, thanks to more than 300 miles of pipe, secure and well-managed water sources, and a dedicated workforce responsive to customers’ needs around the clock.”
Water rates for the City of Hillsboro Water Department service area are established and approved on an annual basis by the City of Hillsboro Utilities Commission. Their decision occurs after an extensive review of the revenue requirements and costs underlying any rate proposal.

For more information, visit: Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/WaterRates.

Image Via Pixabay