June 22, 2020 (Moscow, Idaho) -- The City of Moscow has launched an online open house on its website to solicit feedback from Moscow utility customers on the Water and Sewer Utility Rate Study. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an online format was developed in lieu of the traditional in-person meeting. 

"We hope that this format will allow more people to participate in the rate study process, and allow us to hear from a broader spectrum of people in the community," said Tyler Palmer, Deputy City Supervisor of Public Works and Services.
 
Moscow Water and Sewer customers are encouraged to visit the page to learn about proposed updates, ask questions, and provide feedback. The City will be fielding questions and comments through July 2, 2020:
 
https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/845/2020-Rate-Study
 
In May of 2019, the City initiated a comprehensive five-year Water and Sewer Rate Study to establish an equitable and cost-based water and sewer rate structure to ensure sufficient revenues are available to fund water and sewer operations and capital infrastructure needs throughout the Moscow service area.  Moscow's last utility rate study was completed in 2013. The City is proposing changes to the sewer rate structure to better align costs with the contribution to the system for commercial users.
 
The City has presented the proposed structure to City Council, and convened a Citizen Rate Committee to review the proposal. The Committee was unanimous in its support of the proposed changes. If approved, the new structure would be implemented Oct. 1 with the start of the City's 2021 Fiscal Year.