Superintendent Tim Woodward hands out copies of a 2022 Baker-Tilly rate study at the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District’s meeting Monday, Jan. 20. Also pictured from left are board attorney Andy Boxberger and board members Brad Fishburn and Jeff Herdrich. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

By Lilli Dwyer
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — Superintendent Tim Woodward presented on the results of a water-rate study, conducted by Baker-Tilly Municipal Advisors, at the Turkey Creek Sewer District’s meeting Monday, Jan. 20.

The 2022 study compared rates in 73 sewer districts around the state. According to Baker-Tilly’s previous study conducted in 2019, the minimum bill out of all 73 districts was $24.45, the average bill was $80.90, and the highest bill was $128.40.

The most recent study from 2022 shows the minimum bill remained at $24.45. The average bill decreased 23.8% to $61.61. The maximum bill increased 24.5% to $159.91. Baker-Tilly stated the average bill decrease is due to Allen County Regional Sewer District being purchased by the city of Fort Wayne.

In 1990, Woodward reported Turkey Creek charged its customers $40.45 per month. The current rate is $71 per month, an increase of $31 in 36 years. The district has 30 lift stations and 22 generators. Major projects include, but are not limited to, a $73,000 sewer line replacement in 1993 and the 2024 rotor replacement for $240,000.

“We’re about the middle of all the rates,” said Woodward. “My main takeaway is that, in my opinion, we’ve done a pretty good job keeping it low for everything we’ve done. … We put out 129 million gallons (per year) with no permit violations; that’s something to be proud of, and it’s a hard thing to do.”

Over the past year, the board has sought state-revolving fund grant money for water and sewer improvements to increase plant capacity from 370,000 gallons per day to 500,000 gallons per day and not been found grant fundable.

Jones and Henry Engineers are currently working on new preliminary engineering plans to submit to SRF again this year.

The idea of increasing rates to help pay for improvement projects was raised at the March 2024 meeting. Potential rate changes are supposed to be calculated based on how much SRF funding the district received.

Both Woodward and board attorney, Andy Boxberger, cite inflation as a major factor in the possibility of a rate increase.

“Everything’s doubled in the last five years that we do, except the rate,” said Woodward.

“I had a call with SRF last week; the demand for projects has skyrocketed, the funding that’s available has gone down,” Boxberger added.

Board member, Jeff Herdrich, asked if instead of raising rates in the future, the district could add more customers instead.

Woodward explained improvements would have to be made before taking on a lot of new customers.; for example, moving the Buttermilk Point lift station about 3,000 feet to take pressure off the sewer system.

No actual rate changes have been proposed by the board as of now.

In the engineering report, John Magsam of Jones and Henry engineers stated the new rotor installation project will require some additional concrete work, bringing the cost over $150,000. Because the amount is over $150,000, the district cannot accept quotes on the project and must instead advertise for bids. Advertising should go out within the next two weeks.

In other business, the board elected its members for 2025 and maintained the same positions as last year: Jim Boone, president; Bob Dumford, vice president; and Don Dewitt, treasurer.

Woodward reported he has been considering this year’s budget with Dewitt. The district’s budget for 2025 should be determined in March, he said.

The next board meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District.