Two city councilmen said yesterday they have a plan that could avert at least part of a proposed 11.5 percent hike in residential and commercial water rates.
The City Water Board will vote next week on the increase, which would add an average of $72 to the bills, starting July 1.
James Gennaro and David Weprin, both Queens Democrats, called the rate hike “outrageous” and offered several ideas to lessen the burden. One move would eliminate a payment the Water Board currently makes to the city’s general fund.
This, they said, could save 4 percent of the hike.
“I normally like to see revenue going into the general fund,” said Weprin. “But we have a $5 billion surplus and we believe this is an additional tax that is so unnecessary.”