Hopkins Plans Small Utility Increases for 2012

Hopkins residents will likely see small increases in their utility bills starting next year.

are recommending rate increases for water, sanitary sewer and recycling as part of a master plan projecting revenues and expenses out through 2015.

The changes are:

• Water rates: From $1.90 to $1.95 per $1,000 gallons used—an increase of 38 cents a month for an average residential bill of 7,500 gallons, according to the city. The rate did not increase between 2010 and 2011.
• Sanitary sewer: From $3.60 to $3.75 per $1,000 gallons—an increase of $1.13 for the average residential bill. The rate grew 20 cents between 2010 and 2011.
• Recycling: From $3.75 to $4 for the monthly flat fee.

Storm sewer rates would not change under the current proposal.