South Fork Sewer District plans rate hike
The South Fork Sewer District will be holding a series of workshops where they plan to discuss and explain their scheduled rate increases.
JOSH McDONALD/Press
OSBURN — The South Fork Sewer District will host three workshops to discuss rate increases.
According to SFSD Manager Pete Stayton, aging infrastructure, rising operation costs and stricter water regulations are forcing the district to increase rates. In a letter to its customers, SFSD broke down how the rates will increase, as well as the district’s new connection fee.
The increases are different for customers who also pay sewer bills to the cities of Kellogg, Osburn, Wallace and Mullan. For any customer also paying a city, their quarterly bill will go from $109.50 to $112.65. Customers not paying a city will see their bills increase from $115.50 per quarter to $125.55.
The sewer district provides wastewater service to over 4,500 Silver Valley customers, treating an average of 2.24 million gallons per day.
“The district board has worked hard to keep rates as low as possible for a long time, only raising rates by $1.50 per month in the last seven years despite large increases in our costs," Stayton said. "We don’t receive any tax revenue, so we must set rates at a level that covers increasing operating costs while also being prepared for unexpected and planned infrastructure replacement.”
Stayton said the increased regulatory requirements have provided opportunities for the district to pursue grant funding. Over the past few years, it has received nearly $22 million in grants from the state of Idaho and Shoshone County.
“This funding goes a long way to help address future regulations, but it can’t be used for regular operating expenses,” Stayton said. “We believe our plan is the best way to phase things in gradually and keep it as fair as possible for everyone.”
The new rates will go into effect Dec. 1.
During the workshops, the district hopes to educate people on the benefits of cost-based rates, explain how the rate increases will impact customers and answer questions and comments.
The first workshop is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 station in Osburn. The second workshop will be 7 p.m. May 6 at the Shoshone County Fire District No. 2 station in Kellogg. The final workshop will be 7 p.m. May 15 at Mullan City Hall.
Info: 208-753-8041