Date: Fri 30-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

WPCA-sewer-rate

Full Text:

WPCA Adopts A Rate For Sewer Use

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has adopted a "sewer use rate" on

which sanitary sewer charges will be calculated.

For the period from July 1, 1997, to June 30, 1998, the sewer use rate will be

$4.65 per 1,000 gallons of water used, according to Public Works Director Fred

Hurley.

A typical household of three people is estimated to use approximately 180

gallons of water daily, bringing the annual cost for sewer usage for that

household to roughly $300.

WPCA Chairman Richard Zang said Tuesday WPCA members have decided to reduce

the minimum quarterly sewer use charge from $50 to $25, in response to public

comments that a $50 charge is too high. There is no maximum charge.

The currently "projected" sewer use rates for the following two fiscal years

are $4.75 per 1,000 gallons for the 1998-1999 fiscal year, and $4.83 per 1,000

gallons for the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

The WPCA employs a sewer use rate "adjustment factor" to more evenly spread

the costs of running the sewer system among its users.

The annual approximate $300 sewer usage charge reflects costs for a "typical

household." Some households, such as those with one elderly person who uses

little water, will pay significantly less, and other households with many

children who use much water will pay significantly more money.

Most properties in the sewer district are served by the metered public water

supply operated by United Water. So, the cost for sewer usage will be based on

how much water comes out of water taps. The adjustment factor is applied to

the amount of water used to more evenly spread out sewer system operating

costs.

The town plans to issue quarterly bills to sewer users. One category on those

bills -- sewer use -- would be $75 quarterly if the annual bill is $300.

Another category on the quarterly bills -- residential sewer assessment --

would be about $150 quarterly, based on principal and interest charges on a

$600 annual residential sewer assessment fee, according to Mr Hurley. So, a

"typical" household of three people can expect to pay a quarterly bill of

roughly $225.

Residential properties, as a class, have sewer assessments of $9,900. That

sum, plus interest, is payable to the town across 20 years, based on

subsidized two percent loans.