Silvis clerk asks committee to consider forgiving sewer charges tied to Fair Acres watering; city to run new rate study next year

Silvis — City Clerk Amy Malmstrom told the Silvis City Council on Nov. 18 that the city’s new utility-billing program will present a single total each month and that staff will bring a proposal to committee to forgive the sewer portion of extra water charges for certain Fair Acres properties.

Amy Malmstrom said the new billing format will change how bills appear ('I will just be giving you a total going forward') and described resident inquiries about watering after yard repairs in Fair Acres. She said the city can identify which properties actually watered and proposed forgiving only the sewer portion attributable to the extra water, adding that 'this would just be for the difference of the extra water.' She asked the council to allow committee review to determine which accounts would qualify.

Alderman Steve Marinaccio asked whether the extra charge was significantly more than the base; Malmstrom said it was and clarified the forgiveness would apply only to the difference beyond the base rate. Alderman Chad Vroman and others confirmed the city has records showing which households had watering; Malmstrom said no new pools were installed.

Alderman Joshua Dyer reminded colleagues that the state adopted the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and asked about prior water-rate projections; Dyer said the city typically conducts a rate study every three years and that another study is planned next year to evaluate revenue sufficiency for replacement of mains and other capital needs.

No formal policy was adopted at the Nov. 18 meeting; Malmstrom asked that the forgiveness proposal and billing-format changes be discussed in committee so staff can return with specific recommendations.

Also noted at the meeting: Fire Chief Dave Johnson announced "Christmas in Silvis" at Station 1 on Dec. 6 from 2–5 p.m., and Police Chief VanKlaveren announced 'Shop with a Cop' on Dec. 11 from 10:30–12:30; Mayor Bob Cervantes updated the council on Angel Tree participation (94 children registered, about 20 remain) and urged volunteers to help wrap gifts.