(Photo courtesy Flickr/Joe Shlabotnic)
By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen have narrowly approved sharply higher sewer rates, rather than imposing more modest increases to repair deteriorating infrastructure.
The council voted 5-4 Monday night to speed up repairs of century-old sewers that, according to city leaders, have become a public health hazard.
Starting May 1, the average residential bill will jump to $19.91 per month, from the current $13.85, almost a 44 percent increase.
After next year, rates will climb three percent annually to generate $136 million in 20 years to make the necessary sewer repairs.
The prospect of a never-ending series of rate hikes is why Council member Joni Painter voted no.
“My hope was that we could pay for this and then have it end,” said Painter.
“But the way this has been presented, it will be an ongoing rate increase forever more,” Council woman Painter also said.
Alderman Kimberly Bray voted for the rate hike plan, saying sewer work will create jobs, and constituents tell her infrastructure is their top priority.
Scott Black, Amelia Buragas, Jamie Mathy, and Diana Hauman also voted yes.
Besides Painter, Aldermen David Sage, Mboka Mwilambwe, and Mayor pro tem Karen Schmidt voted no. Schmidt expressed frustration that sewer fee decisions are being made separate from the overall budget process.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at Howard. [email protected]
