Ogden residents face sewer charges based on home value amid governance challenges

The North Ogden Citizen Budget Subcommittee meeting on March 26, 2025, spotlighted a critical issue regarding the sewer billing system that has left many residents frustrated. The discussion revealed that the current structure, which bases sewer charges on property value rather than actual water usage, disproportionately impacts families with lower incomes.

During the meeting, it was noted that when the sewer district was formed, Ogden was initially reluctant to join, opting instead to create its own system. To encourage participation, the county offered Ogden a veto vote on sewer board decisions, a move that has led to complications. Ogden's unique demographic, with a larger proportion of impoverished residents, means that they often veto proposals that could lead to more equitable billing based on water consumption.

Committee members expressed concern that the existing system does not accurately reflect individual usage. For instance, a family of six using 10,000 gallons of water may not send all that water into the sewer system, especially if some is used for filling a pool or other non-sewer-related activities. This discrepancy means that wealthier households, with higher property values, may end up paying significantly more than larger families who use more water but live in less expensive homes.

The conversation highlighted the need for a reevaluation of how sewer charges are calculated. Many community members are advocating for a system that ties sewer fees directly to water consumption, which would align costs more closely with actual usage. However, the current veto power held by Ogden complicates any potential changes, as it allows them to block reforms that could benefit other communities.

As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee acknowledged the challenges ahead in addressing this longstanding issue. The hope is that by bringing these discussions to light, there may be a path forward to create a fairer and more transparent sewer billing system for all residents in the district.