Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Water leaks can wreak havoc on one’s home and finances. Here’s how to handle a sudden increase in water charges and where to go for help in Lawrence.
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will consider water, sewer, solid waste and stormwater rate increases, and assess possible ways to expand a program to help financially stressed residents pay their bills.
Lawrence city commissioners balked Tuesday at the idea of adopting three years of increases to residents’ water, sewer and solid waste rates without receiving more information first.
Lawrence city officials are recommending a 26% increase to customer utility bills over the course of the next three years.
Customers of Black Hills Energy will see, on average, another $11.47 on their monthly bills under a settlement agreement. The hike lasts five years.
Screenshot, Lawrenceks.org
The city will soon resume water shutoffs, but those who are behind on their bills can request a payment plan.
The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday approved utility rate hikes that will cost residents of single-family homes about $75 more per year, and collections will resume soon for nearly 4,000 accounts.
City Commission agenda
The city is now accepting donations from residents to help their neighbors in need pay their utility bills, according to a news release Monday.
Black Hills Energy customers could have to pay another $14.50 per month under two separate rate hikes the company has proposed to Kansas regulators.
The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday gave a nod of approval to a program that will allow residents to donate to a utility assistance program to help others who can’t pay their bills.
