By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Water rates will be going up for City residents this July. The Water Board voted in favor of hiking water rates about 21% over the next three years. It is still lower than 19% increase initially proposed.
South District Council member Michael Kearns pleaded with water board members Thursday morning not to increase rates. But the board voted to increase the rates starting July 1st instead of January.
The first hike will be a 6.5% on July 1st, 2010. The second rate increase will also be 6.5% starting July 1st of 2011. The third increase will begin July 1, 2012. It will be a 6% hike.
Kearns tells WBFO News he and developer Carl Paladino are vowing to take legal action against the water rate hike.
Click the audio player above to hear an interview comments from Michael Kearns now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
The Water Board claims costs for electricity, chemicals and labor have all increased.