Freeburg trustees increase water, sewer rates by 5%

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 6/19/20

Freeburg trustees at their meeting Monday, June 8, approved an increase of 5% in water and sewer rates, beginning with the July reading.

Mayor Darryl Haller noted the system will need to be …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Freeburg trustees increase water, sewer rates by 5%

Posted

Freeburg trustees at their meeting Monday, June 8, approved an increase of 5% in water and sewer rates, beginning with the July reading.

Mayor Darryl Haller noted the system will need to be overhauled soon.

“It’s a ticking time bomb,” said Public Works Director Todd Feeler, noting the system was built in 1967.

“We have to save up for this because no one wants sticker shock in five or 10 years when water rates would have to double or triple to pay for it,” said Haller. “We can take a little bit here. If you want any kind of assistance from the government, you have to meet their criteria.”

Freeburg last raised rates by 10% in 2017, and previous to that, rates increased by 11% in 2012.

A 5% increase will mean an additional $3.30 per month for residential customers, which includes both water and sewer. Non-residential customers will see an increase of $1.65 for water only.

“I think five percent is a good number for now,” said Haller. “We can do that more often, and that way people aren’t being hit with a big number all at once.”

Trustees agreed rates can be reviewed each year to ensure the system repairs can be funded.

It was noted that Holy Family Parish and School have always had a flat rate for unlimited water and sewer, but will see an increase this time of 5%. Further, meters will be installed to track the amount of water for billing purposes moving forward, eliminating the flat rate.

In related news, trustees agreed to allow residents one sewer exception per year when they fill their pools. That means residents will be charged for the water, but not the sewer, since pool water does not drain into the sewer system.

“We’re charging them for something they’re not using,” said Trustee Shane Zimmer.

It’s important for residents to understand that to qualify for the exception, they must contact Feeler before filling the pool so he can read the meter. He will then read the meter upon completion, and that figure will be adjusted on the sewer side.

Haller said he thought that had always been the case, but realized that while the issue has been previously discussed, no formal action had been taken.

* A street-paving project was approved through Capital Paving of Jefferson City at a cost of $102,120. This project will include East Walker Street, from Hwy. 63 to Poplar Street, Oliver Street, with a smooth transition from Cyprus Street, CR 522, from Rt. P to the end of the city limits and a patch on Maple Street.

Feeler said the intersection of Oliver and Cyprus streets is not connected well, and every time he blades for snow, asphalt is ripped up.

“We’re actually going to raise that about three inches, which will help get water off the street too,” said Feeler. “The water runs right across the road, and hopefully, with a little more thickness, it will help.”

A ditch would also be beneficial, Feeler added.

He noted that the paving project should also help with water issues on Walker Street.

Village Clerk Allen Gradel said $105,000 has been allotted in the budget for overlays and sealing.

“I know it’s a lot of money, but hopefully this will take care of things for a while,” said Haller.

Capital Paving was the only bidder on the project. Feeler will get the project scheduled as soon as possible.

* Trustees approved a bid from Feeler Tree Service of Belle to cut down four trees at a total cost of $1,425.

Feeler said he might take care of one of the trees in question, but trustees agreed that with brush removal, it was worth the cost to have it done.

The wood will be cut and anyone that wants it can get it, but Feeler said it’s mostly junk wood.

* Liquor licenses, which are due by July 1 each year, were approved for Eagle Stop and T&L Zip Stop (both of which sell packaged alcohol), Rykers, a new request from Anthony Rudkin, who plans to open a business at the former Johnny B’s location, and Holy Family Parish for its picnic.

* Business licenses were approved for the aforementioned Rykers, along with Hilke’s Car Wash LLC, another new venture in Freeburg.

* Haller asked Feeler to repaint the crosswalk and courts at Holy Family School, and offered a power-washer adapter to clean it first.

* In his regular monthly financial report, Gradel presented figures showing general fund income for May of $17,532.58. The village has $21,167.25 in general revenue checking and $522,073.92 in a general-revenue money market. Sewer system checking stands at $11,582.56 and the sewer money market balance is $188,868.11. The purchasing account has a balance at $1,340.28. The total on hand in all accounts, not including water is $745,032.12. The total for all accounts is $1,258,534.47.

* In financial news, general revenue bills were approved in the amount of $3,857.28, sewer bills totaled $539.38, and water bills were approved in the amount of $608.61.

* Water Clerk Cindy Struemph reported that from April 1 through May 5, a total of 3,023,502 gallons of water were produced and 2,917,000 gallons were sold. A total of 106,502 gallons (4%) were lost.

* Last month’s water leak was finally tracked down at Quaker Window Products. Haller estimated about 2,400 gallons per minute were being lost, but the issue has been resolved, and the cost assessed to the company will be $300 for three days worth of water loss.

* Haller reminded residents that the village has an ordinance requiring that grass be maintained, with a maximum height of six inches.

* Trustees declined an offer from the Department of Natural Resources to collect samples from the lagoon once per week and deliver them to Jefferson City for COVID-19 testing. Feeler said it would require a full day between collections every four hours and time to take it to Jefferson City. Trustees said there were too many other duties to allow Feeler to spend a day each week on this project.

* The Lions Club fireworks show is planned for July 2 at the ball field.

* Zimmer told colleagues that the Legacy Riders will be coming through town Sunday, June 28, at about 9:30 a.m. The group of motorcycle riders support veterans, and Zimmer encouraged everyone to offer a show of support as they come through.

* Trustees tabled until next month further discussion of whether to hire Riley Steinman as a full-time employee.

* The next meeting was set for Monday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m.