Hartford

Public Hearing Discusses Proposed MDC Water Rate Hikes

A public hearing was held at the Metropolitan District headquarters Wednesday.

The big issue on the table is a proposed hike on water rates.

Eight Hartford-area communities are members of the MDC. People in those cities and towns could see their bills go up soon.

The MDC is considering raising the water and sewer rates about $100 for the average customer.

Company officials said that will help cover rising costs, including for previously neglected repairs.

But several people spoke out against the increases that are still being debated.

"My opinion is I don’t think I should have to pay more money. Right now I pay 65 to 70 dollars a month for a water bill," said Hartford resident Esther Mapp.

Hartford resident Richard Heldmann understands some of the hike will pay for an important project to help deal with storm water overflows. But he said the increases make things difficult.

“People can’t afford all these increases. Not just water, but electric, food costs have gone up tremendously," Heldmann said.

A representative of the MDC was not available to talk with NBC Connecticut on-camera.

The District Board would still have to approve the rates on Dec. 10 before they’d go into effect.

The MDC has dropped an idea to offer a discount to super-water users after facing backlash and concern its own rules won’t allow it.

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