Sewer rate hike coming in August

Polson city residents will see an increase on the sewer bill beginning this summer.

The Polson City Commission on June 15 unanimously approved a rate hike that goes into effect Aug. 1. Residents will see the increase on their bill delivered Aug. 28.

The average water user will see a $9.74 increase on their bill, according to city Finance Officer Cindy Dooley, for a new combined water-sewer rate of $89.89.

The rate increase is the second part of a two-step rate hike enacted by the City Commission in 2016 as part of construction of the new wastewater resource recovery facility.

The city received a Treasure State Endowment Program grant as part of the wastewater facility funding. In order to receive that funding, the city was required to raise the combined water and sewer rates to meet 150% of the target rate. In 2016 the target rate was $59.08 and 150% of that rate is $88.62.

“As part of the sewer expansion project we needed to increase our rates for the commitment we had with TSEP for the wastewater facility,” Dooley explained to the commission.

The latest rate increase fulfills the city’s obligation to TSEP, she added.

Customers will be notified by mail or e-mail regarding the rate increase during the months of June and July.