Milford Votes To Raise Wastewater Rates
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Jordan Fouts-
The first phase of the rate increase will take effect on the next billing cycle, and continue with increases in January 2014 and 2015, up to a total increase of 30 percent.
The bimonthly rate per thousand gallons up to the first 4,000 used will be $8.20 this year, $9.06 next year and $10.06 in 2015. The rate decreases at higher water usage brackets in all cases.
The minimum bimonthly bill for most residential customers will be $32.80 this year, increasing to $36.25 next year and $40.25 after that. Customers outside town limits will pay an additional 15 percent surcharge.
The increase was suggested by Umbaugh & Associates following a study that found current rates are insufficient to cover operating and maintenance expenses. Council members learned that they are in a good position to begin a gradual increase now, though even the eventual 30 percent will barely keep up with inflation, they learned.
Representatives from Umbaugh & Associates noted at previous meetings that even with the increase, Milford's sewer rates are still comparable to neighboring towns.
“The last time we talked about an increase, we didn’t. I’d rather pay a little now than have a big pot later,” council Vice President Bob Cockburn remarked ahead of the vote.
Council President Doug Ruch said he thought they did a good job of keeping the impact on users to the minimum.
Ruch was re-elected council president at the beginning of the meeting, and Cockburn vice president.
Discussion during the public hearing on the increase was limited mainly to questions over whether the exemptions for sewer fees for water usage that doesn't go into the sewer system, such as watering gardens and filling pools, would be extended in summer.
Also during the meeting, council members decided to approach the Wawasee School District with the idea of placing a resource officer in Milford Middle School.
Cockburn and town Marshall Rich Miotto agreed to meet with Wawasee Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington to discuss the idea.
Miotto suggested the placement, noting that Milford deputy Derek Kreider has been trained as a school resource officer and that he could “make it happen virtually overnight” if the council gave the go-ahead. Miotto added that he has stepped up his own patrols of the school in the weeks since the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
“I think it’s a good idea in Milford’s case. I think we’d be setting an example to the rest of the state,” Miotto said. “We need to do all we can to protect the kids.”
More than just a security guard, he said a school resource officer is a full-time officer who also acts as a mentor, counselor and educator.
The officer would likely perform normal police duties when school is not in session.
Cockburn observed that Milford couldn’t make the decision on its own without input from the school corporation and said he wants residents’ input as well, but, “I’d hate to do absolutely nothing and become another Newtown.”[[In-content Ad]]
The first phase of the rate increase will take effect on the next billing cycle, and continue with increases in January 2014 and 2015, up to a total increase of 30 percent.
The bimonthly rate per thousand gallons up to the first 4,000 used will be $8.20 this year, $9.06 next year and $10.06 in 2015. The rate decreases at higher water usage brackets in all cases.
The minimum bimonthly bill for most residential customers will be $32.80 this year, increasing to $36.25 next year and $40.25 after that. Customers outside town limits will pay an additional 15 percent surcharge.
The increase was suggested by Umbaugh & Associates following a study that found current rates are insufficient to cover operating and maintenance expenses. Council members learned that they are in a good position to begin a gradual increase now, though even the eventual 30 percent will barely keep up with inflation, they learned.
Representatives from Umbaugh & Associates noted at previous meetings that even with the increase, Milford's sewer rates are still comparable to neighboring towns.
“The last time we talked about an increase, we didn’t. I’d rather pay a little now than have a big pot later,” council Vice President Bob Cockburn remarked ahead of the vote.
Council President Doug Ruch said he thought they did a good job of keeping the impact on users to the minimum.
Ruch was re-elected council president at the beginning of the meeting, and Cockburn vice president.
Discussion during the public hearing on the increase was limited mainly to questions over whether the exemptions for sewer fees for water usage that doesn't go into the sewer system, such as watering gardens and filling pools, would be extended in summer.
Also during the meeting, council members decided to approach the Wawasee School District with the idea of placing a resource officer in Milford Middle School.
Cockburn and town Marshall Rich Miotto agreed to meet with Wawasee Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington to discuss the idea.
Miotto suggested the placement, noting that Milford deputy Derek Kreider has been trained as a school resource officer and that he could “make it happen virtually overnight” if the council gave the go-ahead. Miotto added that he has stepped up his own patrols of the school in the weeks since the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
“I think it’s a good idea in Milford’s case. I think we’d be setting an example to the rest of the state,” Miotto said. “We need to do all we can to protect the kids.”
More than just a security guard, he said a school resource officer is a full-time officer who also acts as a mentor, counselor and educator.
The officer would likely perform normal police duties when school is not in session.
Cockburn observed that Milford couldn’t make the decision on its own without input from the school corporation and said he wants residents’ input as well, but, “I’d hate to do absolutely nothing and become another Newtown.”[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092