With a water bill that is already connected to sewer rate based on your monthly water consumption, the Coos Bay City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, March 19, to add $10 monthly to a residential bill and $20 to a business bill to help pay for a new Transportation Utility Fee (UTF). According to city officials, the new fee, not a tax, could generate about $950,000 a year. The City already receives about $300,000 annually in state gas tax revenue, and another $400,000 through the Pacific Power franchise fee; however, officials say that is not enough to cover the yearly maintenance, improvements and replacements of city streets. Material and labor costs continue to rise yearly within the city’s budget. The new additional fees on your Coos Bay – North Bend Water Board bill will begin May 1, 2019.
