Sanitary Board sets July 30 hearing for new fees

Jul 20, 2010 — The Times

Deborah Laverty

Jul. 18, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- HOBART -- The Sanitary District Board has scheduled a 6 p.m. July 30 public hearing to unveil proposed new stormwater management fees.

Under the proposed fee structure, a single family initially would pay approximately $8.25 per month.

That fee, paid through property tax bills, would gradually increase to $10.80 per month at the end of five years, City Attorney Anthony DeBonis said.

The public hearing, at which residents are welcome to speak on the issue, will be at City Hall, 414 Main St.

DeBonis, in explaining the proposed fee schedule, said the rates were established by the board based on a presentation made by Umbaugh and Associates. An Umbaugh representative will answer questions at the July 30 meeting, DeBonis said.

Fees for nonresidential customers would start at $24.31 per month for a business with 1,600 square feet of pavement and increase for larger businesses.

The rates, if approved, would raise approximately $1.9 million in revenue the first year and $2.6 million at the end of the fifth year.

DeBonis said the Sanitary District Board must approve the proposed fee structure, then forward it to the City Council for its consideration. The council would make the final decision, he said.

Tim Kingsland, Hobart Sanitary District coordinator, said a fee system -- in which both residents and businesses will take part through their property taxes -- is inevitable given state and federal environmental mandates.

"This is a burden no one wants but everyone has to shoulder," he said.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0129-47124348