Property owners in parts of southwest Madison County will pay about $95 more each year for sewer service.
The County Board approved raising the monthly bill from $20 to $27.95 on Wednesday. The hike goes into effect May 1 for land owners in Special Service Area No. 1 Sewer District.
Rates will also increase 3 percent each year for inflation, topping out at $31.07 a month by 2014.
Commercial rates will also grow from $20 to about $21 a month, in addition to other small cost increases based on how much sewage is serviced.
County Board Member Helen Hawkins (D-Granite City), who represents the affected district, cast the lone no vote.
It is the first rate change in four years.
County Administration Director Joe Parente said the increase is needed because user fees are the main source of revenue for the district. "As costs go up, we have to adjust rates," Parente said.
Having less money also meant the district couldn't start new projects, he said.
Sewer District Superintendent Ralph Burnett said he is writing a letter to the district's customers to explain the new rate. The district serves 4,900 customers in Nameoki, Chouteau, Venice and Granite City townships.
Hawkins fought the proposal, saying senior citizens are hit the hardest by the increase. Several meetings were held.
"I represented my people and their views," Hawkins said. "All other government agencies are cutting back. The Sewer District should have considered cutting their administrators' salaries."
Contact reporter Ken West at 618-344-0264, ext. 101
Board ends double taxation
The Madison County Board voted Wednesday to stop taxing certain property owners who also paid fees to Granite City for years.
About 1,000 Nameoki Township landowners have been paying taxes for roads and bridges to both Granite City and the township. The unusual arrangement was created in a complex annexation agreement about 20 years ago.
The agreement approved last week eliminates the Nameoki taxes for the impacted land owners. They'll now pay only Granite City taxes.
County Director of Administration Joe Parente said property owners who own a $100,000 home will now save $150 to $180 dollars a year. Granite City will also pay the township about $1 million over 12 years to make up for lost tax revenue.
Board members Helen Hawkins (D-Granite City) and Jack Minner (D-Edwardsville) cast the only no votes.
Sound off
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