City Councilors hear about plans to raise utility rates | Local News

The first-year revenue going to the water department would increase by slightly less than 60%. Those for wastewater would jump more than 90%.

Reasons for the sharp hikes include a need to establish a healthy fund to pay for the replacement of over-aged infrastructure, and a state funding system that gives preference to communities that charge higher service rates when deciding how to allocate money for large-scale projects.

Operations costs have also gone up at a much faster pace than the current increases allow under the existing cost structure, according to city staff.

Other cost concerns were discussed during the workshop. For example, Mayor Timothy Jennings asked staff to act sooner rather than later to ensure the landfill isn’t going to be affecting the environment.

An accident mid-year left an opening in the liner beneath one of the pits. Staff said after the workshop, there was no leakage of any harmful substance as a result of the break, which was patched.

A long-term fix is needed, however.

Jennings emphasized that the problem could cost more to remedy if full remediation is postponed indefinitely.

He also brought up a more permanent result: The pit isn’t in use, but any contaminated soil could still find a way to leach into the water table.

The city needs to “stop potential pollution” of its water supply, he stressed.

The water department has been attempting to collect outstanding payments of approximately $1.4 million. This amount has accumulated since the end of payment amnesty about two years ago….