Big Water Bill Hikes Ahead In New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans' City Council has voted 5-2 for a series of water-and-sewerage rate hikes — 10 percent annually for eight years.

The increases will raise an estimated $580 million by 2020 for a sewerage and water system that is badly in need of repair.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu strongly backed the increase. He and others have said the city is paying a price because past officials have been reluctant to raise rates.

Landrieu drew support from business leaders and the private Bureau of Governmental Research for the increase. However, critics said more public discussion of the rate hikes was needed.

Council members Stacy Head and Ernest Charbonnet (SHAR buh nay) voted against the measure. Jackie Clarkson, Diana Bajoie (BAJ' wah), Susan Guidry, Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and Kristin Palmer voted in favor.