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Post Falls approves fee hikes

| August 5, 2010 9:00 PM

POST FALLS - The Post Falls City Council on Tuesday night approved water and sewer rate increases of 2.5 percent, garbage rates 4 percent and street light fees 13 percent.

To the average residential user, the hikes will total about $1.50 per month. They will be effective Oct. 1.

Garbage pickup would increase 37 cents, street lights 35 cents, water 10 cents and sewer treatment 69 cents. Impact capitalization fees for public safety, parks and streets will increase 2.18 percent.

Three residents spoke in opposition to the increases, citing the economy, hardships on renters amid rising taxes and cutting the parks budget as a better choice.

However, the council and staff believe the hikes are necessary due to rising power and gas rates, which has an impact on water and sewer rates.

The council also decided to consolidate some development impact fee categories.

The Commercial/Shopping Center category has had a fee ranging from $2.18 to $4.99 per square foot, while the Office category has had a fee ranging from 91 cents to $1.83.

The consolidation will result in the Commercial/Shopping category fee of $2.64 and the Office category 88 cents.

The Office category includes medical, hospitals, churches, business parks, nursing home, day care and lodging.

The city's consultant on fees recommended the change based on ease of implementation.