For Immediate Release:
April 7, 2014
Press release by:
Council Chair Gladys C. Baisa
Maui County Council
Public input sought Tuesday on county rates and fees
WAILUKU, Hawaii – The Budget and Finance Committee will consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 county rates and fees at its meeting tomorrow, April 8, at 10 a.m., Council Chair Gladys Baisa announced today.
A document noting the changes in rates and fees is available for review online at www.mauicounty.gov/2015budget, she said. A survey is also included on the website.
The mayor’s projected revenues from county funds total $622 million, a $63 million increase from the adopted Fiscal Year 2014 budget, Baisa said. This is attributed to proposed increases in real property tax revenues, water service rates, landfill tipping fees and residential trash collection fees.
Residential real property tax rates are proposed to rise to 6.12 percent. The existing rate is 5.57 percent.
Time share owner’s tax rates would go up, from 15.55 to 16.56 percent, under the mayor’s proposal.
Monthly refuse collection fees would rise 11 percent under the proposed budget. The fees would be $20 on Maui and Molokai and $10 on Lanai.
The solid waste tipping fee at the Kahului landfill is proposed to be $71 per ton, up from the existing $65.6 fee.
Water service rates and monthly service charges by meter size will also be reviewed, as the administration has proposed increases for general and agricultural consumers. For example, the water service rate for residents who consume less than 5,000 gallons would increase from $1.80 to $1.90 per 1,000 gallons.
Water customers with a 5/8-inch pipe would see a 17 percent increase in monthly service charges, to $17.50.
The water system development fee for those anticipating new water meters would go up by $2000 for all meter sizes. The fee for the smallest available pipe (5/8-inch) would be $14,060.
“It is important for the public to testify and educate the committee about how these proposed changes will affect their lives,” Baisa said.
Testimony is received in the Council Chamber at 200 S. High Street in Wailuku or at district offices in Hana, Lanai and Molokai. The public may also email the committee, chaired by Councilmember Mike White, at bf.committee@mauicounty.us.
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