Hillsboro Water Rates Are Going Up

If you are a homeowner in Hillsboro your water is going up nine percent as of October 1st. The increase was approved Tuesday by the city's utilities commission.

The commission approved the nine percent hike as well as a 20 percent bump in what developers have to pay when they put up a new building.

The city says what this is means if you are the typical residential customer - one who uses just under 6,000 (5,984 to be exact) gallons each month - your monthly charge will increase $2.43 each month - to $29.50 from $27.07.

Hillsboro says it's not a bad price when you compare it to surrounding communities such as $26.13 in the Rockwood Public Utility District and $57.45 in Tigard.

As to why an increase is even needed, the city points out that the water system receives no funding from property taxes or the city's general fund and relies entirely on revenue from water rates to operate and maintain the water system.