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Water Board Approves 14.5 Percent Rate Hike

May 16, 2008

The city water board approved a 14.5 percent rate hike this morning – the second double digit increase in the last year.

The Department of Environmental Protection says it needs the money to cover rising costs. Rates went up 11.5 percent just last year.

In December, the City Council passed a law allowing the Department of Environmental Protection to slap liens on the properties of water deadbeats.

But the department says the crackdown hasn’t brought in enough money.

New Yorkers who spoke with NY1 said they weren’t

“On top of all the other things that are going on these days, the last thing we need is for water rates to go up. I mean with gas, food, and everything,” said one New Yorker. “I think they should probably reconsider.”

“That’s absurd, you know. It’s kind of crazy. We live in New York and now we got to worry about water, nonetheless and traffic, and you know, tolls, and stuff like that,” added another. “It’s crazy. It’s kind of hard living here sometimes.”

City Comptroller Bill Thompson says another water rate hike just isn’t fair.

“I’m against this proposal,” said Thompson, before the vote. “I’m against the 14 and a half percent rate increase simply because right now the water board is dipping their hands into the pockets of New Yorkers when it comes to those that are paying water bills. It’s an excessive amount that is being charged – more than is needed to run the system.”

The rate increase will take effect in July.

Source: NY1

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Written by NY Politics · Filed Under Local Issues, News 

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