Prosser utility rates going up, but by how much?

PROSSER -- If you live in Prosser, expect a higher utility bill. How much higher is still up for debate.

Prosser City Council members have raised rates on water, sewer and irrigation services. Taxes on those most likely will go up, too.

A proposed garbage tax and car tab fees? They will about talk those later.

In a Tuesday meeting that stretched well into the night, council members sighed, yawned and scratched their heads as they adopted higher utility rates in their attempt to pass next year's $23 million budget for the cash-strapped city.

They will continue wrestling with it at a 7 p.m. Dec. 2 meeting.

City leaders, many who came packing their own calculators, got flat out confused at times on how to maintain recreation programs, transfer funds and protect some cash reserves in case the city has an emergency next year, such as a large fire.

"We just keep talking in circles," Councilman Steve Becken said.

Here's what they know so far:

* Water rates will increase 4.5 percent, sewer rates will jump 3 percent and irrigation rates will go up 4 percent.

* Garbage rates will go up 4 percent, an amount imposed by contractor Basin Disposal Inc. based on an annual price review.

* Water taxes will most likely go up 20 percent and sewer taxes will probably leap 40 percent. Council has not taken action on those yet, but has agreed in principle.

Those changes will mean an extra $2.99 on an average household's monthly utility bill.

So far.

City administrator Charlie Bush also has recommended a new garbage tax of 9.5 percent and an annual vehicle tab fee of $20 per car.

Those charges may allow the city to stash some money in savings after the council tapped $400,000 of reserves to balance this year's budget and help hire a parks and recreation manager to institute a summer day camp, run the pool and oversee recreation.

That proposal is less expensive than the parks and recreation director the city usually employs but may still be more than the town can afford, especially when it's already raising rates and taxes, some councilmen said.

"I think it sends a wrong message," Councilman Terry Chambers said.

Others called it necessary.

"I think the rec manager is a 'have to,' " said Council-man Randy Taylor.

If the council passes all the suggested fees, taxes and charges, the average resident would see a spike from $2.99 to $7.10.

"If $7 were so critical, we'd have people here," said Councilman Morgan Everett, pointing to a nearly empty council chambers at City Hall on Tuesday.

* Ross Courtney can be reached at 930-8798 or rcourtney@yakimaherald.com.

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