This year, residents will again see an increase in their sewer bills. This is the final increase in the city’s rate schedule, that was adopted in 2012. The new rate goes from $81.45 to $84.71, starting this year.
The sewer rate schedule was based on results from a $15,000 sewer rate study done by wastewater consultant, Montgomery Watson Harza. At that time, the rate was $52.52 per 1,000 cubic feet of water (MCF) It was agreed at that time to form the new sanitary sewer rates, per MCF, to be $67.67 for 2012, $73.41 in 2013, $75.30 in 2014, $78.32 in 2015, $81.45 in 2016 and $84.71 in 2017. There would be a minimum charge of one MFC per quarter, which is registered by the water meters.
The plan included the payoff of the city’s loan and equipment upgrades. Then Wastewater Superintendent, Tim Tigue said that they have deferred maintenance and capital improvements for four years. He noted that B Plant was updated in 1989, and some equipment can last 15-20 years. He added that upgrades can be mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who can issue a permit to upgrade every five years. These EPA mandates must be done between 18 months and two years. The $22 million plant upgrades that were mandated by the EPA in 1997 will be paid in full by 2017.
The city is expected to revisit the rates some time this year, according to Mayor Bob Stefanik. He said that a new sewer rate study should take place mid-year, which will then be reviewed by Council. The study will offer a few different scenarios for Council to ponder. Stefanik also noted that “we are still spending significant amounts of money to upgrade the wastewater system. Much of the equipment has a 20-year lifespan. “We’re there,” said Stefanik.
Council recently adopted legislation that amended the sewer charge for 2017. The rate remains the same, but the direction of funds has changed. The rates include five sections: maintenance, treatment, debt service, repair and replacement. It was determined to increase the maintenance section from $18.07 to $25.41 and decrease the treatment section from $54.56 to $47.22. The actual rate of $84.71 remains the same.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer