In an effort to generate more funding for the city’s water and sewer departments, the Utility Committee of the Trenton City Council will recommend increases in both rates.
During a meeting on Tuesday night, committee members voted to ask the full council to consider the rate increases, which are being recommended at 20 percent for wastewater and 15 percent for water. Funding to replace/repair infrastructure as well as meet obligations for future improvements was cited as the primary reason for the rate increase request.
During the discussion, it was noted revenues in both the wastewater and water funds have continued to decrease since the council set a minimum cash reserve for the two funds, with wastewater falling below the recommended minimum amount while the water fund is right at the minimum. According to City Administrator Ron Urton, additional funding is needed to address immediate infrastructure concerns such as repair/replacement of deteriorating sanitary sewer mains and manholes that are over 50 years old, with some approaching 100 years in age as well as replacement of water treatment equipment that is over 50 years old, including two clarifiers. Other needs include replacement of “drive motors” that are over 25 years old and water mains to allow for improved water pressure and fire flow.
The average water bill in Trenton is $56.69 per month while the average monthly sewer bill is $56.09. The increases as proposed would make the new average amounts $65.18 and $67.31, respectively. Water customers experienced an 8.5 percent increase earlier this year after a two-month delay implemented by the council due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urton said the increases would generate approximately $303,000 annually in additional revenue for the water fund and $559,000 annually in additional revenue for the sewer fund.
The committee also took action on three other items, which will be recommended to the council for approval. They include a $220,000 adjustment to the water department budget to show payment of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 lime sludge removal project in the current fiscal year; acceptance of a bid from Aspludh for tree trimming at a rate of $120.87 per hour for a two-man crew; and acceptance of a quote from Douglas Pump to rebuild the river intake pump at a cost of $27,384.
It was announced Trenton Municipal Utilities plans to start its semi-annual system flushing next week, with an announcement to be made when work is ready to begin.
Present at the meeting were committee members Cathie Smith, David Mlika and John Dolan as well as Mayor Linda Crooks, City Clerk Cindy Simpson, TMU Comptroller Rosetta Marsh, councilman Duane Urich, TMU department heads, technology coordinator Alan Mullins and Urton.
Also meeting on Tuesday night was the Economic Development Committee, which heard reports from North Central Missouri Development Alliance Executive Director Micah Landes and Main Street Trenton Executive Director Megan Taul. An executive session was held regarding real estate with no announcement made.
Present at the meeting were committee members Mrs. Smith, Milka, Dolan and Urich; Ms. Crooks, Urton, Mrs. Simpson and Mullins.
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