Utility rates set for Prairie City

Water, sewer and solid waste rates for fiscal year 2019-2020 are now set for Prairie City. During the May 8 city council meeting, the utility rates had their third and final reading before being adopted by the city.

“The rates will go into effect July 1, the next fiscal year,” mayor Chad Alleger said.

For water rates, the first 1,500 gallons used per month will be $16.09, the minimum for the bill. The next 8,500 will be charged at $9.45 per 1,000 gallons with the third tier, beginning at the next 30,000 gallons is at $7.80 per 1,000 gallons. The final fourth tier for usage more than 40,000 is set at $3.22 per 1,000 gallons.

Sewer rates start at $25.95 for the first 1,500 gallons used per month, also the minimum bill. The second tier for the next 8,500 is set at $15.08 per 1,000 gallons and the third tier rate is $12.51 per 1,000 gallons for the next 30,000. All usage more than 40,000 gallons will be charged at $5.18 per 1,000 gallons.

For solid waste collection, fees start at $11.13 per month for a 35 gallon container, $15.97 per month for a 64 gallon container and $20.82 per month for a 96 gallon container. Each additional bag set out for collection must have a solid waste sticker attached to it. Each bag also should not exceed 30 gallons in capacity or 50 pounds in weight. The fee for each solid waste sticker is $1.

The city’s recycling fee is set at $3.17 per month.

City administrator Joe Bartello also announced the city’s received a Trees Please grant through MidAmerican Energy.

“Every year I apply for the grant and generally we match funds in both labor and additional trees,” Bartello said. “We usually plant about 12 to 15 trees a year (through the grant.)”

In the past, trees have been planted throughout the city including in downtown, the parks and at the recreation complex.

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