Water rate ballot initiative dies

Proponents of a 2012 statewide ballot question to cap local water and sewer rate increases at 2 1/2 percent annually failed to meet a deadline for required signatures, killing the measure.

Proponents did not submit the required 68,911 signatures to be certified by the secretary of state’s office by the Dec. 7 deadline.

Local officials argued that the ballot question would have crippled their ability to maintain, repair or upgrade local water and sewer systems.