Mohawk Valley Water Authority Proposes Rate Increase For 2017

The Mohawk Valley Water Authority is proposing a 1.5 percent rate increase to take effect on January 1st.

If approved, the average household would pay about $5.45 cents more a year, or about 45 cents more a month for water.

The MWVA says one of the reasons for the increase is new debt service payments on $238,000 in bonds sold this year.  The bonds will be used to finance construction of a new raw water transmission line from Hinckley Reservoir to the Water Treatment Plant in Prospect.  Executive Director Pat Becher says the first phase of the project will cost about $5 million.

Becher also says paving restoration costs have been increased by $65,000 for increased road repairs, reflecting the Authority's accelerated water system maintenance and repair efforts.

Other factors in the proposed rate hike include an increase in workers compensation premiums and general increases in payroll and health insurance costs.

A public hearing on the proposed rate hike will be held on Monday, October 24th at 5:00 in the Utica City Hall Common Council Chambers.