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Sewer rates to increase 6 percent

Tana Weingartner
/
WVXU

Like water rates, sewer rates in Hamilton County are increasing.

County Commissioners approved the Metropolitan Sewer District's 2014 budget, which includes a six percent rate hike. MSD is undergoing a massive multi-billion dollar system overhaul required by a federal consent decree.

MSD had asked for a $226.7 million operating budget but the county's new utility oversight director, Dave Meyer, says the sewer district can get by with $210.7 million. Commissioners chose to follow Meyer's recommendation.

MSD estimates the average residential customer will see his/her quarterly bill go from from $188.15 to $199.45.

Water rates are also going up. Earlier this year Cincinnati City Council approved a $12.44 increase ($3.11/quarter) for the average Greater Cincinnati Water Works customer.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.