Due to rate increases from Springfield, we are having to raise sewer rates for all of our customers. We really do not enjoy having to raise rates, but we have no other option. We must honor a contractual obligation with the City of Springfield to raise rates when they do, so we have enough money coming in every month to pay our service costs. In addition to our contractual obligation to Springfield, we have an even more important obligation, and that is to you, our customers and citizens. We must maintain our sewer infrastructure in the best shape that we can to provide you with adequate waste removal service, and maintain an adequate sewer repair reserve fund. This fund allows us to make major repairs and upgrades to the system without having to continually turn to the bond market for funding.

The new rates will go into effect in July 1st and is billed in August. Your usage is based on the 3 month water use average over the winter months. Your water use average will not change for this year. The rates will be:

Base rate for residential: $21.46

Base rate for non-residential: $26.64

Volume Charge per 1,000 gallons: $3.89

For example: A family of 2 who use 2,000/gal per month will have a bill of $21.46 + $7.78 = $29.24/month.

Section 700.500 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Battlefield relating to waste-water service rates for residential and non-residential customers of the publicly owned treatment works is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 700.500:  Rates

The schedule of wastewater service rates shall be as follows:

1.There shall be assessed for each residential user of the POTW a basic customer charge of:

a. $17.88 per month for the fiscal year 2012;

b. $21.46 per month for the fiscal year 2013;

2. There shall be assessed to each non-residential user of the POTW a basic customer charge of:

a. $22.20 per month for the fiscal year 2012;

b. $26.64 per month for the fiscal year 2013;

3. In addition to the basic customer service charge, there shall be an additional monthly volume charge for each customer as follows:

a. For residential customers the additional monthly volume charge shall be calculated by first determining the average monthly water consumption for the period January 1st through march 31st in accordance with Section 700.490, and then charging the sum of:

i. $3.24 for each 1,000 gallons, or any fraction thereof, of such average monthly water consumption during the fiscal year 2012;

ii. $3.89 for each 1,000 gallons, or any fraction thereof, of such average monthly water consumption during the fiscal year 2013

b. For non-residential users the addition monthly volume charge shall equal:

i. $3.24 for each 1,000 gallons, or any fraction thereof, of such average monthly water consumption during the fiscal year 2012;

ii. $3.89 for each 1,000 gallons, or any fraction thereof, of such average monthly water consumption during the fiscal year 2013