Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Concord Township to study sewer rates as operating costs and capital needs rise; council to review possible revenue options
Loading...
Summary
Township staff said sewer operating costs are rising because of utilities, chemicals and maintenance; they retained professionals to conduct a sewer rate study in 2026 and noted $820,000 of prior fund balance is being used in the proposed budget to cover sewer operating shortfalls.
Staff told the board the sewer department serves more than 2,700 residents and about 217 commercial users, operates roughly 70 miles of sewer lines, two treatment plants, 15 township‑owned pump stations and six privately owned pump stations, and runs with eight full‑time operators. Bill (finance director) said rising utility charges, chemical costs and plant maintenance explain much of the budget increase for the sewer fund.
Amanda (speaker 2) announced the township has retained consultants for a sewer rate study to evaluate fees, capital needs and fee structures in 2026. Bill explained the proposed 2026 budget uses approximately $820,000 of prior‑year fund balance to cover operating deficits and that depreciation is a significant non‑cash budget item; he said when depreciation is removed the cash position looks stronger but that upcoming capital work on aging pump stations will drive near‑term capital needs.
During public comment residents questioned tapping‑fee expectations, tapping/connection timing and whether commercial users pay different rates; staff described a stepped fee structure (first 10,000 gallons per quarter with higher charges thereafter) and said commercial users effectively pay more when usage is higher. Residents suggested potential revenue ideas including capturing methane from the wastewater plant for sale to a utility; staff said they would investigate the technical and financial feasibility of methane capture and other revenue ideas.
The sewer study and any resulting rate adjustments will be a separate forthcoming process; staff advised the board that major capital work currently planned is largely grant‑dependent but that pump‑station replacements and other lifecycle projects are on the five‑year plan.
