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Hiawatha Customers Facing Higher Sewer Rates

By Greg Bebermeyer

01/16/2013

( KNZA )-A consulting firm has recommended that the city of Hiawatha increase its sewer rates.

During a special meeting Monday evening, the city commission heard the results of a water and sewer rate study conducted by Carl Brown Consulting of Jefferson City, Missouri.

Brown said the city’s current water rates are generating sufficient revenue and should do so for some time to come with some minor restructuring . However, he said the city’s sewer rates are too low and need to be raised and restructured.

He said the current rates aren’t covering the existing sewer system debt. In addition, the city is facing expensive capital improvements to address a consent order from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to reduce the amount of excess water entering the system.

Brown proposed an initial about 45 percent rate increase as soon as possible. City Administrator Lynne Ladner says for a typical residential customer it would mean an additional about two dollars a month.

In addition, Brown said the commission should follow up annually with across the board inflationary rate and fee increases.

The commission will consider approval of an ordinance increasing sewer rates when they meet Tuesday evening.

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