The Harahan City Council unanimously accepted a sewer rate study May 15 that was prepared in connection with the city’s participation in the state water sector program.

Councilman Jason Asbille said he sponsored the resolution at the administration’s request. The study — provided as an attachment to the resolution — concluded that “no major changes to the rate structure are required and current rates are sufficient to ensure sustainability of the sewer system’s financial health,” a council member summarized from the consultant’s report.

Council members discussed several line items from the study during the meeting. One council member read a passage noting that operation and maintenance of the sewer plant and collection system was approximately $1,900,000 per year when the plant and collection costs were combined. Another passage discussed a modest annual capital replacement buildup: the study projects about $250,000 per year being available for future capital improvements and ultimate plant replacement in roughly 20 years.

Council members asked who paid for the study. Staff clarified the study was provided through the grant program — the state-ordered study — and council did not separately approve its contract. Councilman Asbille said he supported the study’s conclusions in principle but asked staff to follow up with the finance director later on technical questions and any needed clarifications.

Action: The council approved the resolution accepting the study’s findings, 5 yeas, 0 nays. Council members asked staff to present follow-up answers on a few math items and to confirm who paid for the study and whether grant funds covered its cost.

Ending: Staff said they will bring technical clarifications to council members and will include rate- and budget-related items in a midyear budget review planned for July.