Marquette Council considers sewer rate adjustment
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
At its Dec. 11 meeting, the Marquette Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would up the city’s sanitary sewer rate.
City clerk Bonnie Basemann said the auditor recommended the city make the move in order to “help bring things back to operating in the positive.”
If approved, the change would mean a 1 percent monthly increase for residential properties.
The sewer rate was also adjusted last year, but Basemann said it was not enough to bring the fund out of the hole. The new increase would result in an additional $4,000 revenue.
Mayor Steve Weipert said a 1.5 to 2 percent increase for the next five years will likely be needed to catch up.
“It’s easier to do a little at a time,” he stated.
Council members Eleanor Soulli, Cindy Halvorson and Ryan Young all approved the first reading of the ordinance, while John Ries voted “no.” The council will consider additional readings and final approval at a future meeting, giving the public time to comment.
Basemann noted the water rate will not be adjusted due to the savings the solar project at well number four, at Timber Ridge, will create. In order to cut costs, she said it may be a good idea to complete a solar feasibility study for the city’s sewer operations, as well.
Meeting date change
The council approved changing its next regular meeting from Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m., to Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m.
