AURORA — Residents could see their water bills go up next year — but not has much as originally planned.
In a study session Monday night, the Aurora City Council began discussions on new water rates for 2009 and 2010. A recommendation from a water committee suggested an 8 percent increase for next year, and a 7.5 percent increase in 2010. The average monthly water bill would increase by $5.01 next year if that 8 percent is adopted.
The council had originally talked about a 12 percent hike, money that is needed to help pay for the $800 million Prairie Waters project, a wastewater recycling project under construction.
Because water users paid a 12 percent increase this year, the council members said it was important to ease up in the coming years.
The issue of water rates was contentious earlier this year. Many residents thought they were being overcharged even though they were using less water, so the council developed a tiered system.
The council will adopt the new water rates at an upcoming meeting.
The council did ask Aurora Water to consider possible cuts in staff to save money. The water utility wants to add 11 new hires for 2009. “I am really concerned about the growth in our staff,” Mayor Ed Tauer said.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
