Drafter
Clerk 10/02/2025
Title
A MOTION requesting the wastewater treatment division implement a sewer rate and capital work plan to continue to improve engagement, transparency, and accountability.
Body
WHEREAS, the wastewater treatment division protects public health and the environment by collecting and treating wastewater, and
WHEREAS, King County charges a sewer rate to the contract agencies that deliver wastewater to King County for treatment and discharge, and
WHEREAS, sewer rate revenue is the wastewater treatment division's primary funding source, and
WHEREAS, the monthly sewer rate revenue collected by the county goes to support all wastewater treatment division expenses, including operating costs, debt service, and capital expenses, and
WHEREAS, while rate increases are necessary to maintain and improve the system, increases must be balanced with affordability for ratepayers, and
WHEREAS, the sewer rate increase is projected to be 12.75 percent in 2027 and in 2028, and 13.5 percent in 2029, 2030, and 2031, and
WHEREAS, the council is deeply concerned that the projected rate increases will no longer be affordable, including and extending beyond low-income ratepayers, and
WHEREAS, as the cost of living in the Central Puget Sound region continues to outpace the national average, as utility bills grow, and income disparity increases, many utility customers struggle to pay bills, and
WHEREAS, the process of setting sewer rates should be transparent, equitable, data-driven, and reflective of both current system needs and long-term infrastructure investment, and
WHEREAS, independent, third-party oversight of the wastewater treatment division's capital improvement program can promote transparency and identify opportunities for improvement, and
WHEREAS, the King County council passed Motion 16410 requesting the wastewater treatment division research and identify methodologies to forecast the long-term costs of its capital improvement needs, and
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