For the second week in a row, Springfield’s proposed 32 percent water rate increase – in each of the next two years – was a big discussion topic during the public comment session.
Mike Lopez, the village president of Jerome, expressed his concern. “A lot of people, regardless of what your income is,” said Lopez, “when you are going to have a 32-64 percent increase, it’s going to put a dent in your dollars of expendable income, for housing, food.”
Jerome buys water wholesale from Springfield and is not subject to the increase.
Ald. Erin Conley (pictured) said the current rates, lower than those of other cities, devalue the water, which she called Springfield’s most valuable resource. Besides, she said, the EPA-mandated “lead pipe removal is so critical. That’s how we improve our next generation. We take this lead out of their water. We know this has immediate impacts. So let’s get that away from our kids and make that not a hazard for them. But let’s also value our water for what it reasonably really costs.”
Other supporters point out a 32 percent rate increase will cost the average water customer four dollars a month.
A final budget vote is scheduled Feb. 20 for the fiscal year which begins March 1.