Rocky Fork Lake area residents to see 16-percent increase in sewerage system fees

Highland County residents using the Rocky Fork Lake sewerage system will be seeing an increase in the cost of services beginning next year.

The Highland County Board of Commissioners voted, 3-0, at their Wednesday, Dec. 5 meeting to raise the sewerage fees from $29 per month to $33.50 per month, a 16-percent increase.

According to commission president Shane Wilkin, Frank Leone of Environmental Engineering Services in Lebanon, had initially proposed an increase of $8.50 per month or a 29-percent rate hike. That figure was later lowered to $7.50.

"We looked at ways to reduce this," Wilkin said. "We think we can save $1 off the $7.50 by re-allocating our reserves. We think we can save another $2 off by working with the prosecutor's office. We think we can reduce it to a $4.50 increase."

"That's the smallest increase possible to be able to operate," commissioner Jeremy Shaffer said. "If we do collect at a higher rate, can we build a reserve?"

"It depends on what the rate (of payment) is," Wilkin answered.

Wilkin said the $33.50 monthly rate would be in effect for 2013 and new payment books would be ordered and distributed.

Hillsboro resident Barb Cole asked commissioners, "Are we just covering costs or is there a capital fund?"

"No," Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley responded. "There's no capital fund."

Fawley said the sewerage system has been operating since 1999.

According to Wilkin, expenses in operating and maintaining the system are increasing as grinder pumps are coming off their earlier warranties and the typical "wear and tear" of the system.

"Vacant properties (in the Rocky Fork Lake district) are causing the most problems," Wilkin said.

"When this was initially done, they kept the rates low and it never allowed for a reserve," Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins said.

"The problem of not having a reserve is 13 years old. Shane has worked well with everyone to keep it as low as possible," Collins said.

"I don't think we're kicking the can down the road with a $4.50 increase," Wilkin responded to a question on the commissioners' decision.

"You have to think of the people who live there," Collins added. "You can't slam them with a $15-a-month increase. The planning point should have taken place 15 years ago."

"I'm comfortable for a one-year period," Wilkin said. "Last year, we didn't do an increase."

Fawley added that no general fund money goes into the system.

Commissioner Tom Horst made a motion to accept the $4.50 monthly increase. After a second by Shaffer, the motion passed, 3-0.