OCWasteWaterRates 09117
In order to offset the costs of a new sewage treatment plant, Orange City residents are paying higher sewer rates. Doug Calsbeek of the Sioux County Capital-Democrat has this report.
OCWasteWaterRates 1:03
The Orange City city council is finalizing wastewater rates after gradual increases since 2011.
The rates are being increased to finance a new sewage treatment plant at a cost of approximately $9.5 million. The plant is under construction and will begin operations late in 2018.
A final step by the council will raise household rates from $17.15 per month to $26.93 per month, as well as volume charges and commercial rates.
Recent meetings included the first and second readings of the proposed rate increase. After the third reading, the rates will take effect on September 21.
Step increases have taken effect since 2011, when the household rate was $9.77 per month.
The construction was ordered by the council after the Iowa Department of Natural Resources determined that ammonia effluent from the city’s present lagoon system exceeded Environmental Protection Agency permitted standards.
The new plant will also assist the city in meeting phosphorus and nitrogen limits that have yet to be put into effect.
I’m Doug Calsbeek of the Sioux County Capital-Democrat, reporting for Siouxland Public Media News.
