Town leaders explained why they're cutting typical water rates an average of 30 percent in a news conference Tuesday.
GARNER, N.C. -- Water customers in Garner are getting a break on their bill, as town leaders announced on Tuesday that rates will go down.
"Its great news for the Garner community,” said Jeff Johnson.
Johnson and his family have lived in Garner for five years and a smaller water bill is a welcome relief.
“It's been extremely difficult over the five years due to the property tax increases, the water bills, utility bills, it's constrained us financially,” he said.
Town leaders explained why they're cutting typical water rates an average of 30 percent in a news conference Tuesday.
Seven years ago, Garner raised rates to pay the costs of hooking up to Raleigh's water system. The town paid off the debt from that project 2.5 years early -- so they're passing the savings on.
“We're very proud to give back to our citizens something they've helped us pay down,” said Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams.
Water customers in Garner are getting a break on their bill, as town leaders announced on Tuesday that rates will go down.
A typical customer uses 12,000 gallons every two months. Their bill will drop from $109 to $75 for that two-month period.
“In these economic times, with the price of gas, the cost of food, everything going up, it's very rare the government gives you back something,” said Williams.
The break in the water bill comes just as property taxes increase in Garner. Many families say that's okay because they'll still keep more money in their wallets.
"With my property tax going up and my water rates going down, I think that will hopefully save money over the long run. I believe it will,” said Johnson.
Garner's property tax rate went up this month. An average home in Garner is $175,000. So the average homeowner will see their property tax bill climb $38.50 a year.
Johnson has ideas for spending the money he's saving.
“Fun money with my family, vacations, travel," said Johnson.
The lower water rates and the higher property tax started July 1.
Garner water customers still get water from Raleigh's Falls Lake. Construction is under way for a water treatment plant near Lake Benson in Garner. By 2010 the town hopes to get their water exclusively from Lake Benson.