Hamilton criticizes water rate increase

Democratic mayoral candidate John Hamilton had a press conference Tuesday to discuss flaws in the current plans to increase Bloomington’s water rate, stating two priorities he would pursue as part of his Blueprint for a Better Bloomington.

“Bloomington is a growing area and there is no doubt that the long-term sustainability of our water system depends on upgrading our current facilities,” Hamilton said in a press release. “But it is the Mayor’s responsibility to make sure that any plan reflects the values of Bloomington, and I don’t think the current proposal does that.”

Hamilton said under the current proposal, the poorest Bloomington residents will bear the full burden of a rate increase made necessary by the area’s residential and corporate growth.

“It is wrong to pursue a plan that so dramatically increases the burden on those already struggling to make ends meet,” Hamilton said. “This current plan is not consistent with our community values, and as Mayor I would make sure we are protecting — not punishing — our most vulnerable residents.”

Hamilton said he would work with the Bloomington Utilities Service Board to ensure that those using water at only a sustenance level would be insulated from an across-the-board rate increase.

He said he supports the current efforts of the City of Bloomington Utilities-funded program that provides short-term assistance to individuals, but said the scope and severity of the upcoming rate increase necessitates a more systematic change.

Hamilton also criticized the absence of water conservation as a component of the current plan.

“We have an opportunity to use this moment to put into practice our community’s asserted dedication to sustainability and conservation,” Hamilton said. “At a time when we could and should be loud and clear about the need to manage and reduce our water use, this current proposal misses the boat. That’s unacceptable.”

Hamilton pledged to work with the USB to examine ways to provide incentives to those conserving water.

“This is something that is being done elsewhere, and it’s a clear way Bloomington could honor its commitment to the long-term sustainability of our water use,” Hamilton said. “Bloomington shouldn’t be waiting for progressive change to come to us — we should be leading the charge for the rest of the state.”