The Blanco City Council approved water and sewer rates last month, which included rate increases in several areas.
On June 9, the city council approved Ordinance No. 2020-O-006 which is related to water and sewer rates. “...the City Council finds that in order to promote a clean, healthy, safe and attractive environment for the citizens of the City of Blanco; and whereas the City of Blanco finds this Ordinance is necessary to promote and to encourage the conservation and preservation of its water resources....” states the water and sewer rates ordinance. Several public hearings were held before the council approved this ordinance.
There is a 2 percent increase, not including tax, to residential and commercial garbage. The trash-only deposit is $150.
There will not be a change in rate for bulk water. Other services, including bulk reclaim wastewater ($10 per 1000 gallons) and brush disposal ($25 per load), are available. The $12 sewer rate increase began immediately. Water base rates for residential will be $30. It will be between $30 to $50 for commercial base rates, and industrial base rates will be $75.
The residential base meter fee and water rate have not changed and remains $7 per 1,000 gallons for zero to 5,000 gallons used. It will be $8 per 1,000 gallons for 5,001 to 10,000 gallons; $9 per 1,000 gallons for 10,001 to 15,000 gallons; $10 per 1,000 gallons for over 15,000 gallons.
Commercial rates have been divided into two categories: C1 and C2. C1’s meter fee will cost $30 and the water rate will be $7 per 1,000 gallons. C2 will have a $50 meter fee and an $8 per gallon water rate. It will be $7 per 1,000 gallons for zero to 2,000 gallons; $8 per 2,001 gallons for 10,000 to 20,000 gallons; $9 per 1,000 gallons for 10,001 to 20,000 gallons; $10 per 1,000 gallons for over 20,000 gallons.
The industrial rate will be $8 per 1,000 gallons used. It will be $8 per 1,000 gallons for zero to 10,000 gallons; $9 per 10,000 gallons for 10,001 to 20,000 gallons; $10 per 1,000 gallons for over 20,000 gallons.
A $35 meter fee and $7 per 1,000 gallons will be applied for multifamily facilities. Churches, schools and non-profits (G1) will have a $30 meter fee along with a $7 per 1,000 gallons used charge. Industrial waste permits for both water and sewer rate contracts will be negotiated every three years.
Irrigation meters will be $50. It will be $8 per 1,000 gallons for zero to 10,000 gallons; $9 per 10,000 gallons for 10,001 to 20,000 gallons; $10 per 1,000 gallons for over 20,000 gallons.
The water rates will be implemented gradually. The new commercial and industrial rates will begin in October and new residential rates will be applied in December.
These rate increases will help pay for the wastewater and water plants which are needed for the predicted growth. Starting, July 1 the city will begin reinstating late fees and disconnects.
