SILVER LAKE – The Silver Lake Town Council accepted ordinances Wednesday that will adjust the town’s utility rates to rebuild cash reserves. Eric Walsh, of Umbaugh and Associates, attended the board meetings previously and discussed in more detail about the three-phase adjustment to the town’s utilities rates. This adjustment was suggested in 2011 to raise the sewer rates by 45 percent, but it was never implemented. After a re-evaluation with Umbaugh and Associates, a raise of the rates of 24 percent over a three-year phase was suggested and the board accepted it. Walsh said adjusting the rates is important to implement sooner rather than later because the town needs to budget. The board agreed it could be difficult to keep a cash balance while other expenses continually rise and the reserves are going downward. The first phase of this adjustment is set to begin in July. Sewer and water rates will increase $6.75 to $7 per month. The second phase will start July 1, 2016, with an increase of $3 to $4; and the final phase will begin July 1, 2017, with an increase of a little over $2 per month. “We take raising rates pretty seriously,” board president Chad Miner said. “We’re kind of getting to a point where if we don’t do something, we’re going to start having problems.” Clerk-treasurer Tonya Conley said the board is continuing to research cost-saving alternatives and pass a utility budget yearly to continue taking a proactive stance on utility funds. Walsh said the board is being proactive by looking three to four years in advance. The board also amended the ordinances for the utilities so the bills will be due on the 25th of every month instead of the 20th. Conley said it takes eight days for mail to get back to customers, so by changing the due dates of the bills, it will provide a little more time for the town residents to pay their bills. The board also discussed clean-up day, which is scheduled for Saturday. Miner reminded the town that trash must be placed in a one-foot by six-foot area by Saturday morning. Conley suggested setting trash out Friday night because “you’re safe that way.” In other business: • Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter said there have been two meth busts this month, and they are currently investigating another one. • The volunteer fire department’s hog roast is scheduled for May 23, and this fundraiser is for a new thermal imaging camera for its fire department. The golf outing is scheduled for June 28 with all proceeds to go toward the purchase of a new gas detector for the department. • Next month’s meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 10 at the town hall.
