Council refers proposed sewer rate increase to Committee of the Whole with power to act

The Superior City Council voted to refer a finance committee recommendation for an 8.75% wastewater rate increase to the Committee of the Whole, giving that committee power to act. The recommendation would begin Jan. 2011 and continue annually through Jan. 2015 if adopted.

Council discussion flagged the size of the increase and the need for public input. Councilor Herrick moved the referral so the public could ask questions; he said the public "may have the opportunity to ask questions on this matter." Finance Director Vito told the council he was prepared to give an overview and would distribute a written narrative to councilors in the next few days. Vito said he planned for a presentation at the Committee of the Whole by him and Dan Romans, the administrator, and suggested allowing public sign‑up for comment at that meeting.

Councilors approved the referral with "power to act," and the committee date mentioned in the meeting was Sept. 21. Staff provided a handout with estimated average monthly wastewater rates and said more detailed five‑year line‑item budgets and a written narrative would be distributed before the Committee of the Whole meeting.

No rate change was adopted at the meeting; formal consideration and any vote on rate adoption will occur at the Committee of the Whole or a future council meeting.