The water/sewer bill in Dell Rapids looks to be heading for an increase in the near future. The Dell Rapids City Council, during the last regular meeting on Tuesday, January 19th, approved the first readings of Ordinances 890, 891, and 892 which are related to surcharges and rate adjustments to cover costs for the 6th Street Water Project that is planned to being this spring.
Ordinance 890 is a Waste Water Surcharge. This ordinance will implement a surcharge of $5.85 per customer.
Ordinance 891 is a Waste Water Rate Adjustment. This ordinance will change the base rate charge as well as the per 1,000 gallon rate. Currently the base rate is $16.90, and this ordinance will lower that base rate to $16.00. The current per 1,000 gallon rate is $5.78. The ordinance will lower that rate to $4.82.
For an average 5,000 gallon user, the cost would change from the current $61.60 to $61.75, a 0.2% increase. These values include the base rate, per 1,000 gallon rate, and existing and new surcharges.
Ordinance 892 will be implementing a $2.70 per customer to fund the drinking. water bond for the 6th Street project.
With the three new proposed ordinances and the water and sewer rates are added together, for an average 5,000 gallon user, the current cost of $103.80 will increase to $106.65, which is an increase of 2.7%.
“I think it’s important to let our citizens know that we appreciate their support in the fact that through paying their water and sewer bills, they are making it possible for us to do these improvements,” said Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley.
The second reading of the ordinances will be held on the first council meeting in February on Monday, February 1st. If the ordinances pass the second reading, they will take effect on April 20th, and customers will see it on their May 1st bill. The new charges would be assessed for water/sewer usage for March 20th through April 20th.