City Council Adopts Sanitation Ordinance, Ups Sewer Use Fee

The City Council conducted the second reading of the Sanitation Sewer Use Rates Ordinance on Monday.

The ordinance amends the municipal code to implement the change to the approved sewer use fee rate structure and rates.

The new rate was approved by the City Council in May.

The proposed “Revised Rate” structure raises the average residential monthly sewer use fee from $4.55 to $11.05, marking the first time the City has pursued an increase beyond the consumer price index since 2007.

Each dollar increase by local residents will lead to $700,000 annually in revenue, but the City needs about $4 million, which is why it needs a substantial increase.

The City has struggled with aging infrastructure in the sewer system and has delayed capital improvement projects to try and keep basic operations underway.

Citywide, approximately 80% of the City’s sewer pipelines are over 80 years old and most of the system, 89%, is constructed of Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP). The estimated lifespan of VCP pipe is anywhere from 60 to 100 years and is primarily a function of proper and timely maintenance.

The City owns and operates a sewer wastewater collection system that serves approximately 140,000 residents and the City’s commercial users. 

The sewer system includes approximately 325 miles of sewer pipelines, three pump stations, and approximately 7,430 manholes. To help balance the fund and maintain service levels over the last few years, needed capital improvements have been deferred and the Sewer Fund operating reserve balance has been depleted.