BY NICKI MAYO
Buffalo Common Councilman Joseph Golombek, Jr says it’s time to merge the city’s water system with the Erie County Water Authority. Golombek’s backing a resolution to combine efforts to help ease infrastructure improvement costs and rate hikes for customers.
Starting July 2010, Buffalo water customers will see a 6.5% increase. Two additional rounds of hikes are scheduled for 2011 and 2012.
Buffalo Water Rate Increases Over the Next Three Years
July 1, 2010 – 6.5%
July 1, 2011 – 6.5%
July 1, 2012 – 6%
Three Year Total – 19%
The Erie County Water Authority says they tried to work with the city back in 2002, but the Common Council voted down the measure. Now the Water Authority says they have no funds available to work with the city.
