Sioux Center Municipal Utilities will be able to improve and maintain the wastewater collection system throughout the community with the help of a wastewater rate increase over the next two years.
“Wastewater collection and treatment is one of the most important services we provide,” Utilities Manager Murray Hulstein said. “Ensuring seamless service requires appropriate maintenance and improvements, and that doesn’t come without a cost.”
Sioux Center Municipal Utilities maintains 44 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 10 lift stations, which collect wastewater from homes and businesses and transport it to the wastewater treatment plant, where it is extensively treated to high standards before being released. The rate increase will also help with costs associated with changes to prepare for future Iowa Department of Natural Resources permit requirements.
The rate change will be about a 3% increase in each of the next two years. For a residence that uses about 6,000 gallons a month, the rate change will add about $1.61 to the monthly bill this November, and about $1.64 starting in November 2023.
For a commercial business like a laundromat using 95,000 gallons a month, this increase will be about $15.85 a month starting in November and a similar increase in November 2023.
The City Council approved the increase this week after the proposed ordinance was read at three consecutive council meetings. It will go into effect in November 2022.