Council approves first reading to establish nonresident sewer rates to allow West‑side connections

The Ames City Council on Sept. 30 approved on first reading an ordinance to establish nonresident sanitary sewer rates and related assessments for properties outside the city that seek connection to city sewer service. Staff said the measure responds to prior requests from Maple Grove and other properties on the west side of Ames that asked to connect to city sewer despite being outside the municipal boundary. Planning and utility staff told the council that the ordinance is one of the procedural steps necessary to permit such connections and to ensure fees and rates are codified in the municipal code. A council member moved approval on first reading and the motion passed by roll call. Staff said further steps, including formal connection approvals and any applicable agreements, will follow the code amendment. Council did not adopt the ordinance on second or third reading that night; staff will bring subsequent readings and implementing documents to future council meetings.