Council passes second reading to drop high-strength sewer surcharge after department support

The City Council passed second reading of Bill 59 on Wednesday, which removes the surcharge for high-strength sewer discharges.

Deputy Director Signehan of the Department of Facility Maintenance testified the department supports Bill 59, saying the city regulates industrial dischargers through a pretreatment program and permits. “We are in support of, Bill 59, which removes, the surcharge for for a high, strength sewer,” the deputy director told the council.

Public testimony included opposition from local residents and veterans who argued the bill did not sufficiently protect the city’s fiscal position or discourage disproportionate use of sewer resources. Brett Colbas, a Navy veteran, told the council he “oppose[s] bill 59 in its current draft” and urged the addition of amendments to safeguard fiscal sustainability and ensure accountability for users that disproportionately burden the system.

Why it matters: The change would remove a billing surcharge intended to reflect higher treatment costs associated with concentrated industrial wastes. Department staff said industrial users are already regulated through permits and pretreatment requirements; proponents of retaining the surcharge cited the need to maintain cost parity and discourage disproportionate burdens on the sewer system.

Vote and next steps: Council approved Bill 59 on second reading; council and staff indicated potential committee follow-up to ensure compliance and safeguards for the sewer system and to consider technical amendments suggested by testifiers.

Ending: Departments will coordinate with council committees on any implementation steps and potential permit or enforcement changes to ensure the system’s fiscal and operational stability.