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Council approves sewer rate increase

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 5:22 PM Wednesday, October 28, 2009

URBANA — Starting in January, residents will notice a slight increase in their sewer bills.

Council members voted to approve a 15 percent increase in sewer rates during their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27. For an average user it will mean an increase of about $3.26 higher per month, said Doug Crabill, assistant to the director of administration in Urbana.

Overall, the rate increase is expected to bring in about $250,000 per year for the city’s sewer fund, he said.

Recently, that fund had taken a hit for several reasons. The Fox River Paper company contributed a large portion of revenue, but when the company left the sewer fund lost revenue.

In addition, debt is quickly coming due for several capital projects that are largely funded through the sewer fund, as well as a microwave treatment project at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Essentially, Crabill said, the increase was necessary to make up for lost revenue and keep the city’s sewer fund in the black.

The resolution will take effect this year, and residents will likely notice the increase in their sewer bills by January, Crabill said.

In addition, Crabill said the city is considering a resolution to apply for state energy efficiency and conservation block grant funding.

While the city has not yet decided whether to apply for the funding, Crabill said drafting the resolution in advance would allow the city to move forward more quickly if necessary.

He said the city is considering retrofitting its streetlights to make them more efficient.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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