JERSEY CITY – Jersey City residents will see a 24 percent jump in their water/sewer bill starting on Jan. 1.
That’s due to the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority Board of Commissioners voting at their board meeting on Thursday to raise the combined water/sewer rate from this year’s estimated $6.57 per 100 cubic feet to $8.15 per 100 cubic feet, an increase of 24 percent.
Specifically, the sewer rate will soar from this year’s $3.25 per ccf (100 cubic feet) to $4.70 per ccf, a 45 percent hike. The MUA is responsible for overseeing the city’s water and sewer operations, with United Water contracted to focus on the city’s water system.
According to MUA Executive Director Dan Becht, the increase is going into effect because of various factors — from shrinking sewer connection fees projected for 2010 to the increased costs of upgrading the city’s century-old sewer system.
Becht also defended the increase, saying the sewer rate had been at levels seen during the 1990s and had not kept up with cost-of-living increases.
Homeowners will be paying a minimum of $144 more on their yearly bill. Those homeowners and others affected by the increase would have had an opportunity to speak on changing rate before the commissioners voted, but the board meeting was apparently advertised as a 5 p.m. public hearing. The only member of the public present was a reporter.
Taking issue with the increase was City Councilman Steven Fulop, who had heard rumors of an increase and that Becht had informed Mayor Jerramiah Healy about a hike in the rate but not the council.
“I don’t understand how the MUA could do this at families are struggling in this tough economy,” Fulop said. “At the very least, the MUA should have made a presentation to the City Council on why they are doing this.
Fulop plans to address this issue at the next City Council caucus scheduled for Nov. 9. –
RK