Water, Sewer Rates to Increase 8.5 Percent Annually Until 2016

Property owners in Kent who pay the city for water and sewer service can expect their rates to jump 8.5 percent annually for the next four years.

approved a new rate stabilization plan tonight that's intended to pay for major infrastructure work for water and sewer utilities by spreading out rate increases over the next several years.

After the 8.5 percent annual increase starting in 2012, city officials said rates will "stabilize" at a 3 percent annual increase starting in 2016.

The news should not come as a total shock to utility customers. Kent Patch first reported on in February.

"Nobody wants to see utility increases," Councilman Jack Amrhein said. "I certainly don’t. But if we’re serious about balancing our budget … we have to approve this."

Look for the full story on Kent Patch Thursday.