gaylordhub.com

In an attempt to keep up with rising operating costs, Gaylord’s City Council recently approved a utility rate hike.

New rates for water, sewer and storm sewer will be effective March 1st. Base rates increased for water and sewer services. A per unit increase was approved for storm water utility charges.

WATER

A base fee known as the Water Access Charge (WAC) will increase from $6.90 to $9.75 per month. This fee is collected regardless of water consumption, according to City officials.

All other rates for City water service will remain the same.

The water rates, based on usage per month, is as follows:
1 - 1,000,000 — $1.90 per 1,000 gal.
1,000,001 - 2,500,000 — $1.70 per 1,000 gal.
2,500,001 - 5,000,000 — $1.65 per 1,000 gal.
5,000,001 - 7,500,000 — $1.80 per 1,000 gal.
7,500,001 - 10,000,000 — $1.85 per 1,000 gal.
10,000,001 - 12,500,000 — $1.90 per 1,000 gal.
12,500,001 or more — $1.85 per 1,000 gal.

The City will continue to charge $3.00 per thousand gallons for bulk water.

SEWER

There will be a $3.00 increase in the City’s Sewer Access Charge (SAC). It will jump from $6.85 to $9.85 next month. This charge shall be collected regardless of the quantity of sewer discharged.

Sewer Rates, based on usage per month, will remain the same. Those rates are as follows:
0 - 10,000 — $2.70 per 1,000 gal.
10,001 - 20,000 — $2.75 per 1,000 gal.
20,001 - 40,000 — $2.80 per 1,000 gal.
40,001 or more — $2.85 per 1,000 gal.

STORM WATER

Also approved was an increase in Storm Water utility rates. Residential units will increase from $7.90 per unit each month to $8.69.

According to Gaylord Mayor Doug Quast, the increase in utility services will help the City “keep up” with expenses.

“The City has been advised to have its utility funds self-sufficient,” Quast said. “The City has been too frugal in the past and is now playing catch up.”

According to City officials, this is the first increase in utility rates since September of 2004.