Marion city sewer rates, even with the increase, will be comparable to those in other cities in the county.
Marion city officials are proposing an increase of sewer rates to cover a bond for improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.
The proposed increase is from $12 to $15 for the monthly base rate for all customers and from $1.20 to $1.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage for residential customers only. Commercial customers usage charge would stay at $1.20 per 1,000 gallons.
Currently, Hillsboro charges $25.45 per month per customer for the base rate. Variable rates of $2.48 to $2.68 per 1,000 gallons are charged to customers according to usage.
Sewer rates in Peabody are the same regardless of the amount of usage. Minimal fees are $25 per month per customer and $2.75 per 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons of water used.
All Florence sewer customers pay $12.25 per month for up to 9,999 gallons of water usage.
Marion City Council will review the proposed rate increase at Monday’s meeting. If the increase is approved, the new rates would not become effective until Jan. 1.
What it really means to customers
Residential sewer customers use an average of 3,000 gallons per month. Currently, Marion residential sewer customers are paying $15.60 per month for the base fee and $3.60 for 3,000 gallons of water used for sewer services.
Hillsboro residential customers pay $33.49 for the same amount of water usage and basic sewer service.
All customers in Peabody that use 3,000 gallons of water for sewer services pay $36 per month for basic service and water.
Florence has the best deal on sewer services at $12.25 for basic services and up to 9,999 gallons of water.