The
water increase, the largest, will increase bills from about
$22.15 to $30.55 by September 2006 for residential customers
using an average of 6,000 gallons a month.
A commercial building that averages 65,000 gallons at $251 a
month will pay $384 by September 2006. Public buildings using an
average of 45,000 gallons at $183 a month will pay about $280 by
September 2006.
A component of the rate hike is an expanded assistance
program for people age 60 and older who have an annual household
income of less than $21,000.
The Senior Citizen/Life Support discount program will offer
those who qualify a waiver of all service charges and a 10
percent discount on the total monthly utility bill.
The change in the program was a result of public forums held
throughout the Navajo Nation.
In the future, the authority plans to review rates every two
to three years so that any increase would be smaller and would
not affect all utilities at the same time, Craig said.
The new rates will be included on utility bills processed
after Oct. 1.
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