Sewer rate study results coming

Results of a Portland sewer rate study will be discussed Monday during a special meeting.
The Portland City Council, meeting Monday, announced the special session set for Nov. 22.
The last time sewer rates were increased in the city was in 2001. City officials have hinted in the past that a sewage rate increase could be coming, especially with several storm and sanitary sewer separation projects in the works.
The federal government is requiring that all storm and sanitary sewer lines be separated. One of the largest projects — the north side sewer separation project — must be completed by Dec. 31, 2013, and is expected to cost $5.8 million.
Currently, sewer bills are based on water usage and are calculated on a scale. Those who use no water are charged $10.75 per month for sewage.
Those who use 2,500 gallons are charged $19, and using 5,000 gallons a month costs $27.25. The water rate last was increased in 2004.
Also Monday, council members approved tax abatements for Fort Recovery Industries.
One abatement is for $625,000 in building improvements and the other is for the purchase of $3.9 million in die casting equipment. The Fort Recovery company plans to expand into a building that was built on speculation in Portland’s industrial park.
The building is often referred to as the spec building. The abatement for the equipment is for five years and the other is a 10-year abatement. Tax abatements phase in taxes on new investments over a period of years.
Jay County Development Corporation executive director Bill Bradley said the Portland Tax Abatement Advisory Committee met Monday and voted to recommend that the council approve the tax abatements.
In a related matter, council members voted to transfer $90,000 in Portland Economic Development Income Tax funds from the reserve fund to the appropriated fund. The council recently voted to grant Fort Recovery Industries $87,500 in EDIT funds, but those funds have not been dispersed.
The current balance of the city’s EDIT fund is $764,472.28.
In other business, council member Kent McClung suggested that sidewalks be added along West Seventh Street between Western Avenue and where the current sidewalk leading from Meridian Street ends east of the Salamonie River.
McClung said there is not enough room for both pedestrians and traffic, and the area is not well lit at night.
Council members decided to take a look at the area and possibly discuss it in the future.[[In-content Ad]]