Clackamas County water and sewer bills are about to see a change come July 1. In a recent announcement shared by Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES), the agency detailed adjustments to various rates as part of their financial strategy for the 2024-25 year. It's all in an effort to maintain and enhance the necessary infrastructure that keeps our rivers clean and our community growing.
The adjustments, which are set to take effect at the start of the fiscal year, amount to what you might find digging under your couch cushions. For the two zones WES services cover, wastewater treatment rates will see an increase of $1.40. If you're living in Rate Zone 2, expect a bump up of $0.75 for your wastewater local collection rates and get ready to chip in an additional $0.45 for surface water management. Meanwhile, folks in Rate Zone 3 will see a less significant hike, just $0.25 for managing all that runoff water.
A silver lining for some ratepayers in Rate Zone 2: their wastewater rate increase will feel a bit lighter. With a decrease in the amounts charged to offset old debts, your pockets won't feel as pinched as you might have expected. WES seems to be playing a balancing act, nudging up some aspects of the budget while easing the load of past financial commitments.
The whole budgeting dance aligns with the agency’s proclaimed pursuit of building a resilient clean water future. "The FY 2024-25 budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and is demonstrated by delivering meaningful outcomes for our community," says the WES statement.
