Water Rates Could Increase in Kinnelon

Rates for water customers who do not utilize well water or water from the could be seeing an increase on their bills if the council approves the increase by ordinance after an April 19 public hearing.

Councilman Stephen Cobell, liaison to the council's Finance Committee, said Thursday the rates would increase for every 50,000 gallons of water used, not to exceed 100,000 gallons. The average user in the borough uses about 80,000 gallons, he said.

Cobell said just over 600 residents utilize Kinnelon water and that for the average user, rates are expected to increase by between $30 and $40 per year. Mayor Bob Collins said the way the ordinance is written, the increase schedule would be set for 10 percent every two years, so technically 5 percent per year, on January 1 of each year that ends in an even number.

According to Cobell, the intention of the ordinance is to gain revenue from users who are exceeding the average.

"We will be generating more revenue by raising the rates on the higher users," he said.