Utility Bills Rising to Meet Increased Costs

Effective July 1, 2008, utility rates for sewer, storm water and drinking water will increase to meet the rising cost of providing these utilities.  Citizens will notice the increase on their August electric bill. 

Sewer

The sewer utility of Forest Grove is operated in partnership with Clean Water Services, a special district of Washington County. CWS sets a portion of the sewer rates in Forest Grove and for the next fiscal year is proposing to increase its portion of the sewer rate by 4.5 percent. The average residential monthly bill set by CWS is projected to increase $1.34, from $29.62 to $30.96. This increase is necessary to afford increased chemical and utility costs, and to expand and upgrade the agency’s four wastewater treatment plants and other sewer infrastructure. Forest Grove’s charge of $3.15 per dwelling unit will remain the same for next year, for a combined average monthly sewer bill of $34.11.

Storm water

Storm water runoff is managed by Forest Grove’s Surface Water Management utility. This utility is also operated in partnership with CWS. The rate is based on impervious areas, such as parking lots and buildings. The current rate that has been in place since 1998 is $4 per month per dwelling unit; $3 is Forest Grove’s portion, and $1 is CWS’ portion. Forest Grove is proposing to raise its portion by $0.50, to $3.50 per month for next year, making the total monthly charge for surface water management $4.50. This increase will allow Forest Grove to maintain street sweeping services, leaf pick-up, and also continue to work on reducing local street flooding challenges.

Water

Water is provided by the city’s water utility. The budget for the water utility includes a proposal to increase water rates by 5 percent. The current average residential monthly bill is about $22.16, and this increase will add about $1.11, raising the average residential monthly bill to $23.27. This proposed increase is due to inflationary increases in costs to provide high quality water, as well as to begin capital planning to meet future water needs.

Forest Grove is committed to providing our citizens with high quality utility services at the lowest possible rates. Cost increases and population growth necessitate the need for these increases in order to maintain quality service and to plan for Forest Grove’s future.