Claremont : Sewer Fees to Increase

The annual sewer service fees for single-family dwellings and apartments will jump from $6 to $37.48 as a result of a 4-1 vote by the City Council Tuesday.

The new revenue would be used to establish a fund for maintenance of the city sewer system and sewer-line repair and replacement.

Algird G. Leiga was the only council member to oppose the higher rates, which are effective April 1. He said an increase of more than 600% could not be justified in a time of rising federal and state taxes.

But other council members argued that the move would be fiscally responsible in the long run because regular upkeep of the sewer system would prevent costly repairs.

Last fiscal year, the city’s sewer service fees generated $89,384 in revenue, but $118,864 was spent for minimal cleaning and emergency repairs. The additional money came from the city’s general fund, according to city staff members.

The ordinance approved Tuesday increases the average annual fee for industrial plants from $154 to about $1,500. Fees for restaurants would range from $100 to more than $500, depending on size; currently all restaurants are assessed an annual fee of $6.