Walter Pierce

LUS rate increase up for final adoption

by Walter Pierce

The Lafayette City-Parish Council Tuesday evening will vote on whether to grant Lafayette Utilities System a rate hike. Two weeks ago the council approved the rate increase as an introductory ordinance by a 7-2 vote; in December the Lafayette Public Utility Authority — the governing body for LUS comprising the five majority-city council members — shot down the increase. A change of heart by recently elected LPUA chair Sam Dore was the swing vote two weeks ago.

If approved, the average LUS household can expect a 7-percent increase — about $11 — in its monthly utility bill in 2010 and 2011. LUS Director Terry Huval has made a strong case for the rate hike, arguing that much-needed maintenance to the system could be neglected otherwise.

The council meeting convenes at 5:30 p.m. in the council auditorium.