February 21, 2008

Public hearing slated for Lind’s

proposed sewer, garbage rate hikes

By Jennifer Larsen

News editor

The Town of Lind will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 26, tentatively set at 7 p.m., at town hall to receive public comment on proposed sewer and garbage rate increases.

The Sewer Committee and Sanitation Committee proposed the rate increases at the regular council meeting on Feb. 14.

The Sewer Committee recommended a rate increase of $2 per month to the basic monthly service rate, effective March 1, 2008, followed by an additional $2 increase per month in 2009.

According to Mayor Larry Koch at the Jan. 22 meeting, the town needs to show the state and federal agencies that funded the sewer project its willingness to raise the rates to build up the reserve fund, which could fund future repairs and upgrades.

The Sanitation Committee recommended an increase of $2 per month to the basic monthly rate beginning on March 1.

The committee analyzed current monthly rates, including disposal and hauling costs, based on charges since the town contracted with CDSI for solid waste disposal last year. Rates will be analyzed after one year of service.

Rates at the county transfer station are increasing by $3 in April. The town currently spends about $6,382 per month to CDSI and the transfer station.