Briefs June 26, 2010

Walt Minnick to take questions from residents in Post Falls

POST FALLS - U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho, will be in Post Falls today to discuss federal issues and take questions from residents.

The coffee and conversation session runs from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Post Falls police station, 1717 E. Polston Ave.

Coeur d'Alene water company seeks significant increase

Troy Hoffman Water Corp. is asking the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to increase rates to its 146 Coeur d'Alene customers from a monthly basic charge of $5.50 to $13.31 for the first 3,000 gallons of use.

The water company also wants to increase its charge for consumption of more than 3,000 gallons to $1.45 for every 1,000 gallons beyond 3,000 gallons. The current rate is 60 cents per 1,000 gallons.

The company also proposes increases in re-connection fees, late payments fees and returned check fees.

The commission has suspended the effective date of the proposed increase for six months to allow it time to review the application. This is the company's first rate increase request in 14 years.

The commission will later announce dates for possible public workshops and hearings.