I’ve talked about SAWS’s proposed rate increase with District 7 residents at neighborhood-association meetings and public events, on the street, and in line at the grocery store. It’s clear to me that too many of our constituents’ questions remain unanswered. Same here.

We now have a little more time to get the answers we need.

City Council had been scheduled to vote today on SAWS’s proposed rate increase. But in order to allow time for more discussion, the item was postponed to Dec. 7.

As you’ll recall, the utility is seeking increases of 5.8 percent and 4.7 percent in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

To be clear, I believe it’s absolutely necessary for SAWS to invest enough in repairing and replacing water- and sewer lines to keep its system in good working order – for now and well into the future. But as I wrote in an Oct. 25 letter to SAWS chief executive Robert Puente, there’s a difference between understanding the need for additional revenue to make these investments and supporting the rate increase as proposed.

SAWS owes ratepayers a better explanation of why they could do with no less than the rate hikes they sought. That’s why I was prepared to vote for a delay of today’s vote on the utility’s rate proposal.

I will ask SAWS executives to come to District 7 to explain their rate-increase request directly to you, their customers.

Special Veterans Day note: In observance of Veterans Day, our District 7 office will be closed Friday.

To our vets in District 7, I offer my heartfelt thanks. You gave so much for your country. You protected the United States in times of danger, and made us safer. I honor your sacrifices and your patriotism.