New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued the following statement in response to an announcement that the New York City Water Board will vote on Friday on a water rate hike of 12.9 % instead of 14%:

“The decision to vote on a 12.9 percent water rate hike is still outrageous. This reduction is a drop in the bucket and simply too little, too late. If the new water rate is approved, it will mark the third double-digit hike in a row. As I’ve shown, these charges are gouging New York City families and small businesses precisely at a time when they can least afford it.

This increase will raise an average single family homeowner’s annual water bill from $571 to $903 in just four years – a whopping 58 percent increase, more than five times the inflation rate. Water ratepayers’ bank accounts are not an unlimited resource.

Furthermore, I am frustrated that the City continually ignores recommendations made by my office, other elected officials, advocates, and New Yorkers that would have helped to minimize water rate increases this year and in the future.

The Water Board’s plan to seek another double-digit increase next year demonstrates that it does not intend to stop squeezing money out of the pockets of New Yorkers. It is imperative that the Department of Environmental Protection complete its promised study as soon as possible in order to inform next year’s water rate-setting process.”

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