July 2008
U.S. Water News Online
PHOENIX — Phoenix residents will see another $1 tacked on to their water bills in August as the city scrambles to cover the cost of increased jail sentences for DUI offenders.
Stiffer penalties for those caught driving under the influence will raise jail fees by 53 percent this year, to $17.6 million.
Phoenix has to pay Maricopa County for each offender it arrests or jails on misdemeanor charges.
Phoenix, which underwent its biggest budget cuts in history this year, doesn't have the money to cover the projected increase.
To make up the difference, the City Council voted unanimously to add $1 to the jail excise fee beginning Aug. 1.
The only other alternative was cutting city services, officials said.
The increase will double the fee, which is based on water usage, for most customers.
About 85 percent of Phoenix utility customers now pay $1 a month and the rest pay from $2.50 to $50 depending on their water usage.