Council debates 2.9% sewer increase and $56 standby fee; ordinance 16-08 moved to second reading

Councilors spent extended time debating the structure of sewer charges and the city’s standby (access) fee while considering Ordinance 16-08, a first-reading amendment to chapter 13.10 of the South Bend Municipal Code to accommodate a 2.9% sewer-rate increase.

Clerk Treasurer Johnson provided key account figures, saying the city issues 960 water bills and 880 of those accounts are on sewer. Council members questioned fairness where seasonal or vacant properties turn off water and therefore have lower bills while full-time users pay the larger rate. One council member objected: "So in essence, the people that are living here are subsidizing those people." The chair and others responded that the standby fee is intended to cover loan payments and access: "The standby rate is 56 is what you read," the chair said, while staff noted shutoffs and reactivations represent less than 1% of billings at any given time.

Council members exchanged views on whether the $56 access fee or a flat $146.46 charge should apply equally. Staff explained the $56 standby charge covers access and the larger amount covers actual effluent processing and loan payments on the sewage plant; the clerk referenced Kim Porter as the source of account counts. After discussion, the council voted to move Ordinance 16-08 to a second reading.

Ordinance 16-08 will return for a formal vote at a subsequent meeting, where councilors can adopt, amend or reject the proposed rate change.