Utility Rates to Rise Again in Gig Harbor

With the New Year just around the corner, residents and businesses in the Gig Harbor city limits should expect another rise in their monthly utility bills.

According to Ordinance 1178, 1179 and 1180, which were approved on Nov. 23, 2009, the 2012 rate increase is the third and the final installment of the three-year rate increase.

Starting Jan. 1, both water and sewer rates will go up by 10 percent, and stormwater will increase 3 percent.

According to city officials, multiple aging systems within the city have contributed to the need for large capital projects since 2008. Projects such as the marine outfall pipe replacement; the wastewater treatment plant upgrade; the Harborview and Stinson water main replacements; as well as the need to stay compliant with ever-stricter state and federal regulations have created the need for these increases.

“We have aging systems that need retrofitting and replacement,” said City Administrator Rob Karlinsey. “Tougher water quality standards for surface water and wastewater as well as growth demands create requirements that are costly. That said we believe our rates, in total, are comparable with utilities in other smaller jurisdictions like ours.”

In late 2008, the City hired a consultant to complete a thorough rate study that took into account projected capital and operating costs. The rate increases were based on the completed rate study. The results of the study and the resulting proposed rate increases were made public, and opportunity for public input and comment was also part of the process.

Customers will begin to see the increase on their utility bills in January. After Feb. 28 all bills will reflect the full increase.

For any questions, contact the City of Gig Harbor at 253-851-8136 or www.cityofgigharbor.net.