The rates paid for sewer service in King County will stay the same next year, as the Metropolitan King County Council today voted unanimously to hold the 2008 sewer rate at the current level of $27.95 per month.

The County is able to hold the line on sewer rates due to a combination of lower than anticipated operational costs and prudent fiscal management.

“Homeowners deserve to benefit from King County ’s sound fiscal management,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, Chair of the Operating Budget, Fiscal Management and Mental Health Committee. “I am proud that we resisted a rate increase.”

“As families face rising gas prices and other increases in their monthly bills, I’m pleased that we can help citizens’ bottom lines by keeping sewer rates stable,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the Regional Water Quality Committee. “I appreciate Executive Sims’ leadership finding ways to keep rates stable without sacrificing premium water quality.”

The Council also approved a wastewater capacity charge for 2008 of $46.25 per month, a level 7.5 percent less than previously projected. A combination of low interest rates, the County’s return to 35-to-40 year bond terms, and strong financial policies led to a capacity charge that is $3.75 per month less than the estimate provided in 2006.

The sewer capacity charge is paid by owners of newly-constructed homes and businesses for construction of new treatment facilities, including Brightwater, King County ’s third wastewater treatment plant. The monthly capacity charge is assessed for 15 years after connection, but property owners can save 5 percent of overall charges if they choose to pay a lump sum upfront.

The monthly sewer rate supports maintenance and operation of the county’s existing wastewater treatment system. It is paid by its customers in King C ounty , south Snohomish C ounty and a small portion of Pierce C ounty.

King County provides wastewater conveyance and treatment through a series of contracts with 33 cities and sewer districts. Today’s vote meets contractual obligations to have the sewer rate for the coming year in place by June 30.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s
LEGISEARCH system and type in “2007-0272”