The Plymouth City Council heard a proposal from Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver, and Eric Walsh from Umbaugh and Associates concerning an increase in water and wastewater rates.
Plymouth City Attorney Sean Surrisi told MAX 98.3 FM News that with Bay Valley Foods and Del Monte closing at the end of year, the city council learned that water and wastewater treatment revenue losses are imminent. Surrisi said a proposal to increase water and wastewater rates to help bridge the gap was brought before the council in a specially-called meeting Monday night.
An ordinance outlining a one-time raise in the water rate of 12 percent to begin Jan. 1, 2018 will be discussed and considered for first reading at the next city council meeting. In addition, an ordinance detailing a three-phase wastewater rate increase will be considered. According to Surrisi, the proposed ordinance would allow for a 10 percent increase in wastewater rates beginning Jan. 1, 2018 with another 10 percent increase on Sept. 2, 2018 and a third 10 percent increase in March of 2019.
According to Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson, the average customer using 5,000 gallons per month will see an increase of $5.10 after the first phase that includes the water and wastewater increase. The same customer would see an increase of $2.72 as a result of the second phase of the wastewater increase and another $2.98 increase in the third phase of the wastewater increase.
If other companies can occupy the vacating businesses and produce similar water and wastewater treatment numbers, the third phase-in would be rescinded from the ordinance.
The Plymouth City Council’s next meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 13.
The Plymouth City Council’s next meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 13.
