Niles sewer rates are expected to increase

By Jordan Cohen

Funds are needed for interceptor sewers and the new treatment plant, a councilman said.

NILES — Residential sewer rates are expected to go up in August, the first such increase in the city in 18 years.

Council’s utility committee Wednesday agreed to have an ordinance ready for an August vote, and approval is expected. The increases would take effect immediately.

“We know this is not a popular thing with gas prices the way they are, but we don’t have a choice,” said Ed McCormick, committee chairman. “We need the funds for the interceptor sewer repairs and construction of our new treatment plant.”

Last month, figures provided by Randy Fabrizio, wastewater treatment superintendent, indicated the increases would amount to $2 a month this year, $2.30 in 2009, $3.18 in 2010 and $3.30 in 2011. McCormick said the increases will have to be adjusted slightly higher, possibly around an additional 50 cents per month.

“Our original numbers were calculated on initiating the increase in July, but we have to increase the amount because the hikes will go into effect one month later,” McCormick said. The increases are based on a standard residential use of 7,500 gallons per month.

The city expects to pay $2 million for interceptor sewer repairs and at least $17.5 million for a new treatment plant. Fabrizio said it is already at the end of its 20-year lifespan. Bids on sewer repairs are to be opened July 16.

“We have to comply with EPA requirements, so we can’t delay any longer,” McCormick said.

The committee chairman said the city will probably pay between $250,000 and $300,000 a year for 20 years to cover the costs of designing and engineering the new treatment plant.

At the same time, the city must continue paying $640,000 a year until 2013, when the now obsolete treatment plant will be paid off.