Sewer Rates Could Be Going Up In Winona Lake
At the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, resolution 2014-12-2 was introduced, which would raise sewer rates to $42 per month.
“We engaged in a wastewater study to determine if our rates were sufficient,” said Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach. “According to the studies that have been done, we’re looking at a $6 a month increase”
Allebach also stated that the study unveiled some unusually high flows. The town is looking into problem areas, auditing external and internal meters and making sure business and commercial properties are being properly billed.
Winona Lake’s sewage is pumped out of the town and treated by Warsaw. As part of Winona Lake’s main lift station project, a meter will be installed on the main pipe out of town so that output may be monitored.
“We’re continuing to look for different things to reduce the flow,” Allebach said. Additional research will be done in 2015 to determine if an even higher rate is necessary. It will likely take six months to a year to amass all the needed data and determine adequate sewer rates.
“Nobody likes to see a $6 a month increase,” noted councilman Randy Swanson. “We’ve enjoyed a $36 rate. It’s been this high or higher in the past. Now its time to bring it back into line.” Councilman Terry Howie noted that Winona Lake’s sewage rates are still relatively low compared to some other towns in Kosciusko County.
The council approved the introduction of the ordinance. A public hearing regarding the ordinance is planned for 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29 at Winona Lake Town Hall.
Also at the meeting, Clerk/Treasurer Kent Adams noted that the Department of Local Government Finance approved the 2015 budget for tax-supported funds. He noted there were no changes since the budget went before the public in September.
The budget is $55,000 less than the 2014 budget with a tax rate of 3.2 percent. “We seem to be set for 2015,” said Adams.
Christmas bonuses, the 2015 Wayne Township Agreement for Parks and Recreation, and year end transfers were approved. All claims were approved.