Sewer bills are calculated based on the number of units and property’s water connection.

1. Each unit connected to both the City’s water system and the City’s sewage system is charged fixed yearly unit fee ($50.38 per quarter) plus a charge based on water consumption ($7.01 per hundred cubic feet (hcf) or roughly $0.009 per gallon). These charges are billed by the Water Dept. and are included with the water bill.

A unit is defined as follows:

• For residential facilities, apartments and other similar use, each single family living area is one unit (a duplex would be two units, etc.).
• For hotels, motels, convalescent homes, hospitals, jails and other similar uses, each room is considered one-half unit.
• For industrial and commercial facilities, each building sewer connected directly or indirectly to the public sewer is considered one unit per meter.

2. Residents who own property with a private well (or the property is connected to another water system) are charged a flat (un-metered) semi-annual fee of $333.74. These bills are generated and administered by the Tax Dept.

How is the flat rate set?

The flat rate was determined by adding the fixed yearly fee to a charge for estimated consumption.  According to information from professional organizations, the census, and our own data, estimates for average annual water consumption per unit range from 66.5 hundred cubic feet (hcf) to 84.7 hcf.  We use the low estimate to calculate the unmetered rate.

By using  the low estimate for consumption and adding it to the fixed fee (similar to the way that metered units are charged) , the annual cost is approximately $667.47.

The annual cost gets split into two installments.  The semi-annual fee is $333.74.

Is there billing accommodation for seasonal use of sewer only accounts?

No.  Since the City has no means of monitoring residential use, there is no provision for applying seasonal adjustments to residential flat rate accounts. While the flat rate is not a perfect method, we have found that other methods (such as a mag meter system) to be cost prohibitive.  

Sanitary sewer is a public health and quality of life service.  Compared to cell phone, internet, and cable TV services, it is a tremendous value.  It is helpful to consider the flat rate as being the cost of having sanitary sewer service available for your use however often you choose to use it.

Rates to Increase

To maintain our current level of service, City Council has approved rate increases as follows: