Water hike approved

The Issaquah City Council recently voted to approve a measure that would raise the water rates by 15 percent. This is expected to raise single family home rates by about $7 a month.

The last time the rates were increased was in 2006, when rates went up 3 percent.

The city attributed the need for the hike on two wet summers, which led to lower consumption and higher-than-expected increases in operation.

City staff cited the need to replace Cougar Ridge Reservoir, which was earlier thought to be repairable. However, engineers have since found that the reservoir needs to be replaced, and that will cost an estimated $2.2 million.

According to a data gathered by the city, average water bills in Issaquah, with the new rate will be $40.40 per month. Redmond residents, in comparison pay $26.17 for the same amount of water. However, Redmond, along with the Covington Water District and Bellevue are all planning an increase. Of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Covington, Issaquah and Bellevue, Issaquah’s rates are the highest. The others range from $26.17 to $34.20, staff said.

‘Nourish Minds’

The Nourish Every Mind event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 16 at the Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd. S.

The event, which benefits the Issaquah Schools Foundation, will feature a silent auction from 11 a.m. to noon and a program hosted by Pat Cashman from noon to 1 p.m.

The suggested minimum donation is $150.

The annual luncheon showcases some of the ISF grant recipients, and celebrates ISF and the Issaquah School District as well as raises money for ISF. ISF provides funding for school enrichment programs for all of the Issaquah schools.