Citizen Provides Insight Into the Long Term Impact of Water Rates on Our Residents.

To All COLA LO Members,

This past week a citizen submitted an insightful letter on the impact of water rates on his household.   Its an interesting piece of information as the letter shows the long term costs of utility bills.  

The details can be found at How We Have Changed  but the text can be found below:

Old utility bill shows how much we’ve changed - I read with great interest (the April 4 Lake Oswego Review) cover story about the rising Lake Owego utility rates. Recently, while preparing for the Community Shred Day, I found a utility bill, dated Nov. 13, 1996, through Jan. 14, 1997. At that time, the monthly charge was $25 per month. Today, I pay $95 per month. After the rate increase in July, the monthly rate will be about $101 per month. In annual terms, my bill has gone from $300 per year in 1997 to more than $1,200 per year in July 2013. On a monthly basis, my rates have risen an average of $4.68 per month or $56 per year over the 16-year period.
Although our rates have been affected by infrastructure upgrades, such as the LOIS, perhaps it’s time for the city council and other civic leaders to examine the real costs of progress, development and population growth, particularly as they relate to the expansion of the drinking water system.  Upgrade it, don’t expand it. 

This is a fairly consistent theme we have heard from many members and residents over the past two or more years.   However the council voted for rate increases in a 6-1 vote last month.   Details can be found in Another Rise in Water Rates?


Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.