Brown Lawn Initiative begins

As of May 16, 2012, the first of what is likely to be several increases in city utilities will begin. The basic rate for water will increase by $5 monthly (plus taxes) and additional fees will be charged as one’s usage of water increases. This rate increase may be known as the “Brown Lawn Initiative.” Brown lawns however, are not the worst we can expect as a consequence of the new five million dollar (plus) borrowing.

The new city utilities rate is likely to increase the number of Ritzville homes offered for sale, left empty and/or abandoned to mortgage companies. Most home sales in Ritzville...