Council approves increasing utility rates

By Terry Murry on Thursday, June 15th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – Residents living in the city of Milton-Freewater will see an increase in their utility bills starting July 1. The Milton-Freewater City Council met Monday night to approve resolutions to amend the rates.

Citizens will see a five percent increase in electric and sewer rates, as well as a 10 percent increase in solid waste and a 25 percent increase in water.

“The increases are due to the huge jump in cost of our supplies to supply the service,” City Manager Linda Hall said.

The rate increase for water is also due to the fact the city needs to replace a water reservoir tower and a new well, which Hall explained will run the city more than $12 million.

In addition to the utility rates, the city council also increased the golf course rates by three percent.