Published: November 16, 2009 10:09 pm      

Jeffersonville sewer tap increases to be phased in

Those living in annexed areas will pay former rate

Increases in Jeffersonville’s sewer tap-in fees will be phased in over the next two years, increasing from $1,500 to $3,300.

That increase only applies to those requesting new building permits, meaning people living in existing homes in the recently or to-be annexed areas north and east of Jeffersonville’s city limits will pay $1,500 to tap into the city’s sewer system.

Residents in those annexation areas — one annexation went into effect last year and the other starts on Jan. 1 — are being added to the system. State law allows municipalities to force those with a line within 300 feet of their property line to hook onto the city’s sewers.

The increased tap-in fees — also known as capacity fees — are a part of a larger ordinance that also raises sewer rates by nearly 200 percent over the next five years. Under the ordinance, which was approved unanimously by the Jeffersonville City Council Monday night, the average monthly sewer bill would go from about $24 per month to about $73 per month.

The hikes in the rates and the tap-in fee will finance repair and expansion of the city’s sewer system and correct problems with combined sewer overflows, which wash untreated sewage into waterways during heavy rainfalls. The city has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pledging to correct the problem.

“We’re being held hostage here, don’t have a choice,” said Councilman Ed Zastawny. He said he voted for the tap-in increase because he wants the city to “have control of its own destiny.”

The council will need to vote on the ordinance one more time before it’s final. The final vote is expected Dec. 7.



IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The council approved $10,512 for new turnout gear — the protective, yellow suits worn by firefighters at fire scenes. The money will replace six aging sets of gear, according to Shawn Grant, deputy fire chief.

• Several residents of Jonquill Drive attended the meeting, protesting a plan to put sidewalks on their street. One resident said the paths would make yards smaller and uproot trees. Another said that it would encourage nearby apartment dwellers who frequently walk down the street to peek into windows and doors of homeowners there.

Councilwoman Barbara Wilson, who represents the district in which Jonquill Drive is located, said she’s heard from others who want the sidewalks. No resolution was reached. Mayor Tom Galligan said he’d meet with the residents to talk about the project.

• The council approved an ordinance that would reclassify the city from a third-class city to a second-class city. The state classification system relates to population. Jeffersonville’s population will top the minimum threshold of 35,000 with next year’s annexation.

The reclassification would mean a larger city council — nine members instead of seven. Additionally, an appointed controller, rather than an elected clerk-treasurer, would oversee city finances.

One more vote is needed on that ordinance before it becomes final.