More Detailed Information in Determining the Most Just and Equitable Fees for Sewage Works (Rates)

Home Browse Search

Resolution on Sewer Rate Increase Considerations Page 2 sewer works in sound physical condition and financial condition necessary to render adequate and effective service "; and OlwevmA the sewage rates set forth in South Bend Municipal Code § 17 -21 remain in effect until action is taken by the Common Council; and recta on October 14, 2013, Bill No. 64 -13 was filed by the City Administration which seeks to "adjust sewer rates and charges incrementally through 2017" and seeks another 9% rate increase compounded annually for the next four (4) years; f�reai a series of Utilities Committee meetings have been held as part of the Council's due diligence requirements in determining "just and equitable fees "; however discussions with the City Administration began well after the June date set forth in the City Code; and G`�f AeaG in light of the need for additional information and data on the proposed sewage rate increases, as well as what appears to be conflicting information provided by the Administration with regard to the over 60 -page Consent Decree, Bill No. 64 -13 was continued in the Council portion of the public hearing to January 27, 2014, so that the City Administration would have the opportunity to provide more detailed information and a variety of rate options for the Common Council to debate, analyze and consider; and since the Consent Decree was entered into, there have been articles published noting that the EPA is "willing to consider renegotiating ... Consent Decrees ", with one of those articles being published in the June 5, 2012 edition of the Governing magazine entitled "Mayors Question EPA Consent Decrees" where several Mayors contended that there is a "potential to cause financial stress for local governments and their residents "; and another article published on August 1, 2012 noting that the "tough economy might be making the agency more flexible " - with that information being specifically shared with the City Administration; and G`j r rid the Common Council notes that some of the Consent Decrees which have resulted in modifications were based on new and relevant information which improved the remedies and were from the cities of Indianapolis, Indiana; Toledo, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; and Honolulu, Hawaii; and the Common Council believes that the City of South Bend, Indiana, has taken substantial steps and taken many good faith efforts to upgrade the sewage treatment plant in the effort to reduce raw sewage discharges with the passage of rate increases such as those in 2003 of 24 %, a 29% rate increase in 2005, a 15% rate increase for 2007, an I1% rate increase for 2009, and a 9% rate increase for each year thereafter through 2013; 6 *erea6, the Common Council believes that all viable options should be investigated in light of the local economy and its impact on the ability to pay higher rates and charges; whether the most recent