Twitchell v. City of Spokane

Citations

• 55 Wash. 86
• 104 P. 150
• 1909 Wash. LEXIS 710

Syllabus

<p>Waters and Water Courses — Public Supply — Water Rates — ■ Proeits — Municipal Corporations — Fiscal Management — Separate Funds. A city owning its own water works has a right to fix reasonable water rates which will result in some profit, and will not be enjoined from transferring the profits on the system from the water fund to the general fund, in the absence of any statute requiring the water fund to be kept for a special purpose.</p> <p>Same — Water Rates' — Taxes. Water rates paid by consumers for city service are in no sense taxes.</p> <p>Same — Free Water. A city owning its water system may furnish water for municipal and charitable purposes free.</p> <p>Same — Reasonableness oe Rates. On the question of the reasonableness of water rates, the cost of extending water mains and depreciation may be considered.</p> <p>Same — Review. City authorities have a discretion in fixing water rates which will not be reviewed unless the rate is excessive.</p> <p>Same — Reasonableness oe Rates. A water rate of 80 cents a month for a five-room house with bath, toilet, and lavatory, and $2.80 per year for a lawn 60x135 feet, is reasonable.</p>