The average water and and sewer bill for Portlanders would increase by $4.58 a month, or 4.8 percent, under budget requests submitted this week by Commissioner Nick Fish.

"I think this is a responsible proposal and it's now up to the council to review it," Fish said Tuesday.

If approved, the rate hike would take effect July 1 and would mark the third consecutive fiscal year that Portland kept combined water and sewer increases at less than 5 percent.

The relatively modest increases followed public outcry over rising rates under the 2009-12 City Council and a commitment by Mayor Charlie Hales and Fish to minimize annual hikes.

Fish has previously labeled controversial projects such as the Rose Festival headquarters and the Water House as "self-inflicted wounds" that damaged public perception but did not play a sizable roll in cost increases.

Some of those projects prompted a lawsuit alleging improper utility spending. A Multnomah County judge last year determined that the City Council exceeded its authority by dedicating about $1 million from utility funds for publicly financed campaigns and public restrooms.

On Wednesday, the City Council will authorize city attorneys to take necessary steps to appeal that decision to the Oregon Court of Appeals. A judge previously denied the city's request to appeal. But this time could be different if the city concedes how much money was misspent.

Fish, who oversees the Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services, said the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the latest rate proposal at a March 12 hearing.

The average water bill is currently $29.54 a month and would rise to $31.61, an increase of $2.07, or 7 percent.

The average sewer/stormwater bill is currently $65.25 and would jump to $67.76, an increase of $2.51, or 3.85 percent.

Despite the request, Hales is responsible for formally proposing utility rates on April 28. The City Council will set the numbers May 27.

The increases, Fish said, will help both bureaus meet basic service obligations and keep big construction projects on pace.

Fish also said he'd like to keep his two bureaus -- often considered political grenades -- despite Hales' revelation that he may reshuffle assignments at City Hall.

"My preference is to keep my assignments and the mayor hasn't indicated otherwise," Fish said. "This is a very tough assignment, but it's also very rewarding."

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Reading:

The Oregonian: Portland Street Fund: Steve Novick wants more than $28 million in transportation funding

The Oregonian: Portland Mayor Charlie Hales talks $15 minimum wage, demolitions, hiring ex-offenders on OPB Radio

Willamette Week: The Weekly Standard Bashes Portland Mayor Charlie Hales' Tax Incentive for Hiring Former Felons

-- Brad Schmidt