STPUD contemplating water, sewer hikes

While a decision about the future of sewer and water rates for South Tahoe Public Utility District is two months away, the notice that it’s a possibility will be in the mail next week.

This week the utility board was given a detailed presentation by CFO Paul Hughes and Assistant General Manager Paul Sciuto about the proposed 2012-13 budget. The board is expected to vote on it May 17. That budget goes into effect July 1.

What staff presented was a budget with the assumption rates do not increase.

However, during the nearly two-hour hearing this week the board upon members’ request were given scenarios for 2 percent and 4 percent increases.

State law under Proposition 218 mandates the board give ratepayers at least 45 days to comment on the possibility of a rate increase. Letters going out on March 21 will state the board could approve a maximum 5 percent increase on sewer rates and 2 percent on water rates.

The district is also expecting to alter the structure of metered water rates. This information will also be on the Proposition 218 notice.

Instructions for how to protest the potential increases will be on the mailed form.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report