Pocatello residentscould face higher utility bills over next 5 years

Pocatello residents could face higher utility bills over the next five years. The city is conducting a multiyear rate study to determine what rates should be for water, wastewater, and sanitation.

The study focuses on how to accommodate growth, capital improvement projects, and water operation expenses. This initiative would make small increases to utility rates annually, rather than large increases every couple of years.

“It’s basically good financial practice to do a rate study every five years,” Jeff Mansfield, public works director for Pocatello said. “We’ve been doing them for the past several years and what it does, is gives us a third-party opinion on what those rates should be.”

Residents could see a 3.5% to 4% increase on their water bill, 3.0% increase on used water and 2.0% on sewer. The study won’t be finished until the end of June. It will then be voted on by city council. If passed the increases will begin on October 1.