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Aldermen press staff for answers on sewer charges for homes on septic
Summary
Aldermen raised constituent complaints about residents being charged sewer fees despite using septic systems; officials cited a state rule requiring hookup when sewer runs across a property and asked the attorney and staff to research ordinance language and return with a clear explanation.
During the Dec. 10 meeting, Alderman Meadows described residents who pay sewer charges while still using septic tanks and pressed staff and the city attorney to clarify why the fees are assessed.
Meadows said constituents asked why they pay "$60 a month for sewer that I'm not even using" and asked whether a flat/separate availability fee or a minimum charge would be fairer. The alderman asked staff to research whether customers signed agreements or whether state rules require hookups when sewer lines cross private property.
Mayor Irwin and the attorney noted there is a state rule that can require a hookup when sewer service abuts a property and said the city ordinance may also address hookups. The attorney and staff were asked to check the ordinance and state law and to send the board a written explanation that aldermen can use when answering constituents.
The board did not make any immediate changes to billing; officials said they will report back with the applicable ordinance language and any recommendations for changes or a policy to address customers on septic systems.
"If their septic tank is failing that overrides ... they can hook the sewer," a speaker said during the exchange, and officials emphasized they will return with clear guidance for residents.
