March 29, 2024

Newton sewer rates to increase

For the second year in a row, the city is looking to increase sanitary sewer rates by 5 percent. City council approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase the rates which would net an estimated $130,000 in Water Pollution Control revenue.

“I want to commend our water works department for staying on top of this,” councilwoman Evelyn George said. “When talking with other cities, there are some communities in Iowa that are in dire position where they have major improvements they are required to make in their department and they are at a loss in terms of how to fund it. This is very responsible fiscal planning.”

For those community members who use less than 200 cubic feet per month, the minimum monthly charge would be $11.35, or an increase of 54 cents. For the average household, who use 600 cubic feet per month, the monthly charge would be $25.92, or an increase of $1.23.

When comparing Newton to other cities in Iowa, the sanitary sewer rates are relatively low for those with a population greater than 10,000. For small water users, or those using less than 600 cubic feet per month, the rate increase would put Newton as the 8th to 12th lowest cost among the 40 cities surveyed. Neighboring cities included in the survey include Ankeny, Pella, Boone, Altoona, Oskaloosa and Marshalltown.

Prior to 2015, the city had not raised rates since 2012. The funds raised will be used for upcoming projects, such as an Ultra-Violet disinfection treatment project, and to continue funding for the Inflow & Infiltration Program.

The UV disinfection treatment project is an estimated $1.1 million and if possible, the city would prefer to complete it without bonding. More planning and the preliminary design in required to determine if that will be possible.

To fund the capital project and the I & I Program during the next five years, an annual operating net of $1,082,863 is needed. For fiscal year 2016, the operating net was $833,199.

The ordinance change will have two additional readings before a final approval from the council.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com