The bill, which needs one more vote, would raise costs for the average homeowner to $105 per quarter from $75.

The Board of Aldermen on Thursday gave initial approval to one of the largest water rate increases in recent history in hopes of shoring up a water department deep in the red.
The plan, carried by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, of far south city, and backed by the Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, would increase the average homeowner’s bill over the next year to $105 per quarter from $75.

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The decision Thursday marked the first vote to raise water rates since the late 2000s, the last time the water department said the city had no choice.