Windsor water rates are poised to take a significant jump.
The Town Council voted 3-2 Wednesday night to tentatively approve a water rate increase of 14 percent on Sept. 1 and a "water reclamation" rate increase of 3 percent on July 1.
But before they go into effect the town has to send out notices to residents of the proposed increases by April 21.
A public hearing is proposed for June 6 to formally vote on the rate hikes.
The typical residential water bill is about $85 a month in Windsor, what consultants say is among the lowest in Sonoma County.
Santa Rosa has the highest monthly bill at about $120, according to Reed Group Inc., Windsor's consulting firm.
Windsor officials say the increases are needed to pay for improvements to the water system, including increasing storage capacity and refinancing debt obligations.
The council also approved a complex pilot program, known as PAYS, allows up to 2,000 of the Town's utility customers to purchase a variety of "resource efficiency measures" that use less water and/or energy.
Low-flow toilets and shower heads, more efficient clothes washers and drought-resistant landscaping could be installed. Customers who participate in the program would pay for the improvements with a surcharge on their monthly bills.
Council members Debora Fudge, Sam Salmon and Cheryl Scholar voted in the favor of the rate increase. Steve Allen and Robin Goble dissented.
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