Water hike proposed (9/8/04)

The Portland City Council heard a recommendation Tuesday evening that municipal water service fees be increased by $1.11 per month.

The recommendation came from Todd Samuelson of H.J. Umbaugh & Associates of Plymouth.

City clerk-treasurer Barbara Blackford said the firm was hired by the city to conduct a review of water and sewer utility rates. The study cost between $2,000 and $3,000, she said.

The proposed increase is based on an average monthly usage of 4,000 gallons. The fee hike would increase users’ bills to $19.59 per month from $18.48. Samuelson said Tuesday evening city residents would probably be more accepting of a small increase once in a while, rather than a large increase all at once in the future.

Samuelson made the recommendation based on his comparisons of revenue and operating expenses for the city water department. In December of 2002, its total operating revenue was $1,191,261. However, by 2003 that number had decreased to $1,157,110. Total operating expenses in 2003 were $646,944, up $46,718 from 2002.

He said increasing monthly bills will help the department generate more revenue. Fees are the water department’s sole source of income. He also suggested raising the tap fee, which covers the cost of connecting to the city’s waterline, to about $500 from $360.

Samuelson said raising the monthly fees would help get Portland more in line with what similar-size cities are charging. The tap line and monthly fees haven’t been changed since November 1994, he said.

Samuelson also suggested a larger tap fee for the municipal sewer department. He suggested about $500, an increase of $200 from the current $300 charge. He said the department is doing well with its operating expenses and revenue. The increase is simply to align with other cities.

Blackford said the last time the sewer rates were adjusted was in October 2001. She said the tap fee was not raised at that time.

Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier said the council will vote on the proposed increases at a later date. Blackford said this morning, a public hearing must be held before the council can vote.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Dave Frasher of Arch Bridge Kroozers updated the council on an upcoming cruise-In.

Frasher told council members the next event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. He asked that portions of Main and Commerce streets, near the Jay County Courthouse, be closed for the show. He would like the streets blocked off by 1 p.m. on the day of the cruise-In.

Frasher also said he would like to use the old fire station located on Commerce Street for a cafe during the show.

Hosier said Frasher would need to speak to the street department and Portland police about the street closings. Ultimately, those requests would need to be approved by the Portland Board of Works.

“(The last show) was a great show, and it certainly did bring a lot of people to our community,” said council president Glen Bryant.

The only issue the council voted on Tuesday evening was to give a proclamation to Stephanie Arnold, a member of the 2004 U.S. Women’s Olympic Archery Team.

The document, which honors Arnold for her achievements, will be presented to her today at 1:30 p.m.

In other business, Hosier invited council members to attend a press conference Thursday at 10 a.m., in the Portland Fire Station meeting room. He said a developing project for the city will be announced.[[In-content Ad]]