From left, Leesburg Councilman Mitch Vader, Council Vice President Tom Moore and Council President Christina Archer. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — A sewer rate increase, a topic of conversation at multiple Leesburg Town Council meetings for more than a year, has officially been approved.

Town Attorney Nick Jacobs distributed copies of the proposed sewer rate increase ordinance to council members at its regular meeting Monday, March 13. After review, the council voted to adopt the ordinance.

A sewer rate study was performed last spring by Baker Tilley, with the recommendation that Leesburg raise its monthly sewer rate by $6.50 per month, from $73 to $79.50. Council Vice-President Tom Moore stated Monday the new rate will be $80, effective April 1. 

Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Mike Searfoss said the rate increase will not show up until the May billing statement, since the town bills a month behind. 

In other news, Moore and Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons Inc., developed a preventative maintenance schedule for the town’s sewer system. 

The schedule includes  lists of weekly and monthly projects. Moore said the weekly projects primarily involve the main pumping station.

In other news:

• Cleanup is underway at Leesburg and Oswego cemeteries. After April 14, any and all decorations will be collected and discarded. New decorations may be placed after May 1. 
• Town Council President Christina Archer is gathering updated information related to sidewalk measurements to begin obtaining quotes for the K-21 walking path/sidewalk project. 
• Town officials would like to remind residents there is no parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. seven days a week; no burning anything, any time; and please be mindful of what you flush.
• Reminder: Sidewalks and trees are the property and responsibility of the residents. Sidewalks are to be kept clear of snow and low-hanging branches to provide safe passage, per town ordinance 93.22 B.
• The next regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. April 10.