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Friendswood to review city water, sewer rates
By City of Friendswood
Correspondent
Published September 11, 2009
FRIENDSWOOD — The Friendswood City Council and staff recently began reviewing the city’s water and sewer rates for fiscal 2009-10.
As a result, the city created a plan to reduce water and sewer rates by 20 percent on an average water and sewer bill for the coming year.
Last year, water and sewer rates were raised to fund some capital improvements to the city’s water and sewer utility system. That was the first increase in seven years for water and five years for sewer.
The new rate was structured to address several water and sewer projects, including rehabilitating two water wells, purchasing surface water from the city of Houston, constructing a million-gallon, concrete storage tank and extending water and sewer lines along FM 2351 to Beamer Road.
Several events occurred that should result in a water and sewer rate reduction in the upcoming fiscal year. First, Friendswood got a $2.5 million grant for some of the planned improvements. Second, Standard & Poor’s raised the city’s bond rating from A to AA.
This allowed the city to issue debt at a lower interest rate. The bond issue also was delayed because of market conditions, and the city was able to sell bonds at a lower interest rate.
While the water and sewer rate is expected to be reduced by 20 percent, the impact will vary according to individual water consumption.
The city council is expected to take action on the new water and sewer rate and on the budget this month.
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