The Plymouth Common Council has agreed to increase sewer rates in the city.
During their Monday night meeting, board members considered an ordinance detailing the change on second and third reading. The City of Plymouth commissioned experts with financial firm Umbaugh and Associates in April of this year to conduct the study of sewer rates and ensure financial stability going forward.
CPA John Julien says the study concluded a sewer rate increase of 17-percent across the board was in order.
“It’s the amount needed to keep the sewage works moving forward in good financial shape as you’ve always operated it,” says Julien. “Most specifically, to generate the revenues needed to fund a bond issue that’s needed to take care of the improvements of the sewage works.”
Council members reminded those in attendance that despite the increase, Plymouth’s sewer rates are lower compared with communities of similar size. The 17-percent increase continues to maintain the city’s status as the cheapest sewer rates in Indiana.
On average, Plymouth residents will pay a rate of $28.84 for every 5,000 gallons used. That compares with the state average of $41 for that same gallon usage.
Julien joked the change takes Plymouth from last place in sewer rates all the way up to last place.
{5-23-16-Julien2} Q…time.” :08
[Your rates are very, very competitive. It’s a reflection of, I know a lot of hard
work, of the people who have run the utility for a long time.]
City officials were unsure, but believed the increase also applied to the Pretty Lake satellite district for sewer rates as well.
The Plymouth Common Council approved the sewer rate increase unanimously.
