Lincoln City water and sewer rate increases: (all numbers come from City public records)
These are the increases the City Council has approved over the last 15 years.
From 2005-06 the Council approved 10% increases for each of 4 years for a total of 40%.
In 2009-10 water 4%, sewer 4%.
2010-11 water 4%, sewer 4%
2011-12 water 8%, sewer 4%
2012-13 water 5%, sewer 4%
2013-14 water 4%, sewer 4%
2014-15 water 4%, sewer 4%
2015-16 water 4%, sewer 6%
2016-17 water 4%, sewer 6%
2017-18 water 4%, sewer 6%
2018-19 water 3.9%, sewer 3.9%
2019-20 water 3.9%, sewer 3.9% proposed
Remember, these increases compound each year.
But wait, there’s more.
The Council has also approved millions of urban renewal money for sewer and water projects and yet has $13 million in reserves earning interest. This year the City will receive more money in transient room taxes ($7,861,684) than in property taxes ($6,810,885).
It’s your money, do you care how it’s earned and spent?
Jerry Warner