Lonsdale City Council ups sewer rates

Lori Nickel, Montgomery Messenger

The Lonsdale City Council approved several resolutions during their regular meeting on Thursday, March 8, which began with a public hearing.

Sewer rates increased slightly

There were no residents present that gave input during the public hearing at 7 p.m. concerning the raising of sewer rates and late fees that the council later approved for each 1,000 gallons over the base rate of 10,000 gallons from $5.10 per thousand to $5.50 per thousand. The increase is anticipated to increase sewer revenues by $10,907.

The council also increased the finance charge (late payment fee) from 1.5 percent to 10 percent, to potentially increase sewer revenues by more than $20,000, based on the amount of utility bills subject to late fees in 2006.

We did not want to create a huge hit on residents with the 40 cent increase