Heber residents face possible rate hike on water and waterwaste bill

Residents in Heber received a notice in the mail regarding a rate increase on their water and wastewater bill.

We spoke with the Heber Public Utility District on what this could mean for residents

What people have been receiving in the mail is a notice of a rate hearing that will take place in March.

The utility district is required to do so by law and the meeting will be open to the public.

“The board opens the public hearing and they will hear any comments or questions from any of the residents either in favor of or against the public hearing, against the rate adjustments,” said Laura Fischer, General Manager, Heber Public Utility District.

Residents will also be able to petition if they don’t want the rates to change.

But it may be time as the cost of business goes up every year and the Heber Utility District hasn’t had a rate increase in the past four years.

“Our customers in the residential class who use the 15,000 gallons and don’t go over that amount, they are going to see in their water and sewer bill a total of $4.96 more a month,” explained Fischer.

The utility district also tells us they have plans of expanding the facility and improving the quality of their water.

“We are expanding and improving our water plant to where we are now going to be in compliance with all of the state and federal laws for water quality,” added Fischer.

There is a possibility rates will not be imposed if a signed petition or letter is received from 50% plus one of the property owners in Heber.

But the hike may be needed due to the expansion and to sustain the facility for the next five years.

The public hearing will be held March 16th at 6:30 in the evening and the proposed rate adjustment would take effect in July.