Somerset officials debate sewer rate increase for Pine Hills amid maintenance issues
January 02, 2025 | Summerset, Meade County, South Dakota
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The City of Summerset's January 2, 2025, City Commission meeting focused heavily on the ongoing issues with Pine Hills, a bulk user of the city's sewer system. The discussion revealed significant concerns regarding the maintenance of Pine Hills' sewer lines and the need for potential rate increases to address these issues.
Commission members highlighted that Pine Hills has not seen a rate increase since 2022, with current charges remaining at $36 per month. Several options for increases were discussed, ranging from 5% to 8%, which would raise the monthly fee to between $37.80 and $38.88. The consensus leaned towards an 8% increase, reflecting the need for Pine Hills to contribute more to the city's sewer system, especially given the recurring maintenance problems that have led to sewer overflows and blockages.
The commission also addressed the lack of compliance from Pine Hills regarding a maintenance addendum that had not been signed, despite repeated follow-ups. This has resulted in significant issues, including sewer backups that have affected the surrounding area. The commission discussed the possibility of imposing fines for future violations, with suggestions to increase penalties for non-compliance to ensure that Pine Hills takes responsibility for its sewer system.
In addition to the discussions about Pine Hills, the commission considered the situation with Stage Barn, another bulk user, which operates under a different agreement. The commission noted that Stage Barn's rates had been previously set at 8% and discussed whether to maintain or adjust these rates.
The meeting concluded with plans to send out certified letters to both Pine Hills and Stage Barn, notifying them of the proposed rate increases and inviting them to the next meeting for further discussion. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all residents, including those in bulk user areas, are treated equitably and that the city's sewer system remains functional and well-maintained.
As the commission moves forward, the focus will be on enforcing compliance and ensuring that all users contribute fairly to the maintenance and operation of the city's sewer infrastructure.
Commission members highlighted that Pine Hills has not seen a rate increase since 2022, with current charges remaining at $36 per month. Several options for increases were discussed, ranging from 5% to 8%, which would raise the monthly fee to between $37.80 and $38.88. The consensus leaned towards an 8% increase, reflecting the need for Pine Hills to contribute more to the city's sewer system, especially given the recurring maintenance problems that have led to sewer overflows and blockages.
The commission also addressed the lack of compliance from Pine Hills regarding a maintenance addendum that had not been signed, despite repeated follow-ups. This has resulted in significant issues, including sewer backups that have affected the surrounding area. The commission discussed the possibility of imposing fines for future violations, with suggestions to increase penalties for non-compliance to ensure that Pine Hills takes responsibility for its sewer system.
In addition to the discussions about Pine Hills, the commission considered the situation with Stage Barn, another bulk user, which operates under a different agreement. The commission noted that Stage Barn's rates had been previously set at 8% and discussed whether to maintain or adjust these rates.
The meeting concluded with plans to send out certified letters to both Pine Hills and Stage Barn, notifying them of the proposed rate increases and inviting them to the next meeting for further discussion. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all residents, including those in bulk user areas, are treated equitably and that the city's sewer system remains functional and well-maintained.
As the commission moves forward, the focus will be on enforcing compliance and ensuring that all users contribute fairly to the maintenance and operation of the city's sewer infrastructure.
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