An independent committee studying the city’s water quality fee increase suggested changes to the program’s current budget, including significant reductions in spending.
“Most folks are learning how to do more with less,” said Ray Childers, committee member and president of the Chattanooga Manufacturers Association. “That’s what we’re going to have to do here.”
PDF: Water Budget
Bill Raines, chairman of the independent committee, gave the proposed water quality, or stormwater, program budget to the committee Wednesday morning. The current budget would be reduced by 58 percent, going from $21.5 million per year to $9 million per year.
The effect would be residential rates going from $115.20 a year to $48 a year. Businesses, industries and institutions could see a break because they can qualify as multiple residences.