The Centralia City Council has approved an increase in water and sewer rates.
The annual increase based on the consumer price index, which is 2.9 percent this year, was approved. In addition, the council approved an increase in the water filtration plant replacement surcharge rate. The current 50-cent surcharge for those inside the city limit will increase to $1.00 for the coming year. Those obtaining Centralia water outside the city limits will see their surcharge jump from .75 to $1.25.
City Manager Kory Smith explained the impact on city residents.
“See an increase of approximately $13.44 a year for individuals with a minimum of 2000 gallons bi-monthly. $56.64 over the course of the year for households for 10,000 gallons bi-monthly. And $132 for households for 24,000 gallons bi-monthly. So that is $132 over the course of 12 months broke down.”
Smith says the proceeds from the surcharge will all go toward the new water treatment plant expected to go out for bid in late 2024 or early 2025. He reports the city is currently seeking multiple grants to bring down the amount of the cost that will have to be paid by residents.
The council adopted the Paid Leave for All Workers into the city’s current personnel policy and updated the policy to remove conflicts with other state laws.
The five-year plan for improvements at the Centralia Municipal Airport was approved as a step to making the projects eligible for state and state funds. The proposed work includes easement acquisitions, obstruction removals, and runway rehabilitation.
The council approved a newly written Mutual Aid Box Alarm System agreement and approved Gonzales Company to complete engineering for the summer motor fuel tax street maintenance program.
