Ogden council unveils water study
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Scott Schwebke
Standard-Examiner staff
sschwebke@standard.net
O
GDEN -- After reviewing an ocean of data, the city council will unveil Thursday the results of a six-month water, sewer and storm sewer rate study.
A public open house for the study, dubbed "Water Horizons," will be at 5:30 p.m. and a town meeting will follow at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers on the third floor of the Municipal Building, 2549 Washington Blvd.
Residents will be permitted to give input on the proposed rate increases aimed at upgrading the city's aging water and sewer infrastructure, said Bill Cook, the city council's executive director.
The council will have a public hearing on the proposed rate increases Dec. 18, Cook said. If adopted, the new rates would take effect Jan. 1.
The council has already received considerable public input through the Water Horizons process, said Jesse Garcia, council chairman.
"It's very important to get the public's input so that they know what the council is facing in terms of improving the infrastructure and implementing new rates," he said.
The council decided in October to pursue a scenario that includes $51.6 million in financing to upgrade Ogden's antiquated water system. The scenario calls for the issuance of bonds next year to complete all necessary water distribution and sewer projects, purchase equipment to correct water odor and taste problems and partially fund storm water projects. It doesn't include any funding to repair the city's water treatment plant.
Under the scenario, during winter when usage is typically lowest, residents without secondary water who use 3,000 gallons per month would see their monthly water bills increase from $9.27 to $14.09. Bills for those who use 6,000 gallons would increase from $13.08 to $17.69, while rates for those who use 12,000 gallons would jump from $20.94 to $27.59.
During summer when usage is higher, monthly bills for residents without secondary water who use 15,000 gallons would jump from $25.11 to $32.84. Residents who use 30,000 gallons would see their bills increase from $46.56 to $68.33, while the rate for 45,000 gallons would rise from $69.21 to $97.83.
The scenario was among three options presented to the council as part of a $67,000 study completed by Lewis, Young, Robertson and Burningham, a Salt Lake City consulting firm.
The study found that none of the city's water, sanitary sewer or storm sewer rates produce enough revenue to sustain its infrastructure. The rates also do not generate enough revenue to pay for the daily costs of producing water and sewer services for customers, the study says.
In addition, the study found that the city has borrowed from other funds to repair broken systems and pay for operational costs in its sewer fund.
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