Newton sewer rates to increase by 5% each year from 2024 to 2028

Sewer rates in Newton will be increased by 5 percent each year from 2024 to 2028, following council action on Feb. 19. The city council passed the third reading to amend city ordinances authorizing the rate increase in a unanimous vote; the amendment was subsequently adopted.

According to city documents, the hauler disposal fee and sanitary sewer rates need to be increased each year to keep in pace with increasing operating costs, as well as infrastructure replacement, repairs, capital projects, capital equipment, capital expansion and continuing to fund the I&I program.

Small rate increases done periodically to keep up with inflation help to avoid a large rate increase at a later day, the city stated. The monthly minimum charge includes 200 cubic feet of wastewater per month, and the proposed increase would change the monthly minimum from $15.15 to $15.91, a $0.76 increase.

The city would then charge $5.12 for each 100 cubic feet of water thereafter. Regardless, all Newton citizens will pay a minimum monthly charge of $15.91. The average household using 600 cubic feet per month would see their sewer fee increase from $34.67 to $36.39, a $1.72 increase.

Jody Rhone, the city’s utilities director, said at a past meeting the proposed rate increase is similar to rate increases that occurred from 2015 to 2017 and 2019 to 2023. Rhone said it worked “really well” and allows staff to look ahead five years when budgeting, much like when staff organizes the capital improvements plan.

“This just helps with budgeting purposes,” Rhone said, later noting the 2019 to 2023 rate increases were also 5 percent every year for five years.