City of Gibson Water & Sewer Committee met July 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Meeting was called to order at @ 5:30 p.m. in council chambers by Chairman Randy Wyant.
Committee members present: Aldermen: Doug Parsons, Ray Hankes, absent Alderman Laura Miller.
Others present: Alderman Denis Fisher, Admin Scott Shull, Supts. Martin & Duncan, Former Mayor Nelda Jordan, Chief Rosendahl, Lt. Acree, Residents Terry & Dayna Roesch, Jean Noellsch – Ford County Chronicle.
Topic of discussion was consideration of increasing water and sewer usage rates by 35% and possibly changing to monthly billing cycle.
Chairman Wyant turned the presentation over to our Superintendents. Supt. Martin explained that due to needing a new Wastewater Treatment Plant and all the improvements needed in storm water and sewer drainage, the plan is to discuss a 35% increase in both water and sewer usage, and change from bi-monthly to monthly billing, which also increases the base rates. Even with these changes, Duncan stated that Gibson City is still 110 lowest of 113 communities in water/sewer rates.
Admin Shull reminded committee that if the cycle is changed to monthly, that will add considerable charges to overhead in admin budget. He will need to hire another person and costs of postage, etc. will all double.
Alderman Parsons asked the cost of the new WWTP and Duncan replied $30 million dollars.
Supt. Duncan and our engineer (Will Gray / Donohue & Associates) hope to have 30-year projection of all costs and income to present soon.
Alderman Davis is in favor of monthly billing and stated that the base rate is guaranteed income, while usage charges fluctuate. Supt. Martin hopes the new meter system will be in place by December.
Alderman Wyant suggested a 20% increase in usage and an increase in base fee, going from $29 to $40. (split between water sewer) in effect for the October billing (August 1-October 1, billed Oct 15th), and no change in cycle at this time, all to be reevaluated in January, or whenever the new meters are fully in place. Committee members agreed to recommend this gradual approach to full council.
Meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.
https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/7.20.23-MINUTES-WATER-SEWER-COM-MTG.pdf
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