Sewer Rate Increase for the City of Neillsville Given Final Green Light by Common Council
Thursday, September 25th, 2014 -- 9:15 AM
-The Neillsville City Council approved several items last night as they begin the process of preparing the 2015 budget for the city.The council approved to appropriate funding to the city?s emergency medical services. The city received over $4,600 for the Ambulance Association?s Emergency Medical Services Funding Assistance Program and the council needed to approve moving that money to the emergency services fund.
The council also approved filing a joint application for a grant with Clark County for taxi services. The application will be sent to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Finally, the council approved the final green light of increasing the city?s sewer rates by 10%. There was a public hearing held about the increase during the public works portion of the meeting. One resident was there and asked the council/city to look into federal grants when it comes to funding operations as it?s difficult for her, and others, to pay their water and sewer bill.
Dave Flynn, the Director of Public Works, explained that those grants usually don?t cover operating costs, which is why the city is increasing the rate. The Sewer Rate Study determined that the increase was necessary for the city to meet the plant?s operating expenses.
She also stated that she believes the reason more people don?t attend hearings and council meetings is because the council has a tendency to make their opinions feel invalid and that the council is going to do what they want anyway. Neillsville Mayor Steve Mabie assured her that all citizens are welcome to attend the meetings and their suggestions and opinions are taken seriously.
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