Summary

King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Pete von Reichbauer issued statements Tuesday in opposition to a 4.5% sewer rate and 3% capacity charge increase.

Story

King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Pete von Reichbauer issued the following statements Tuesday after the King County Council approved a 4.5% sewer rate and 3% capacity charge increase by a 6-3 vote. The new rates, effective in 2021, amount to a $47.37 monthly charge for sewer service and a $68.34 monthly capacity charge for new connections.

Vice Chair Dunn:

“Increasing the financial burden on King County residents and businesses in the middle of an economic crisis is not just tone deaf — it’s poor leadership. The County should be the first to keep our own operations as lean as possible to help our ratepayers through this time of financial hardship.”

Councilmember von Reichbauer:

“As elected officials, we should question any proposed tax increases, but given the COVID-19 crisis, now is not the time for any rate increases. I have heard from both constituents and elected officials, such as Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier, who have emphasized that now is not the time to increase rates when so many of our neighbors are struggling to pay at the current rate due to economic uncertainty and financial insecurity.”