Niles panel proposes 1st sewer-rate increase in 18 years

NILES — The city has not imposed a sewer rate increase in 18 years. That’s about to change.

Council’s utilities committee agreed today that an increase is necessary after learning that design and construction of a new waste treatment plant could cost $17.5 million.

The current facility is 20 years old, which is considered the maximum plant lifespan, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Randy Fabrizio, waste treatment plant superintendent, presented a financing plan, which would include increases starting this year and continuing through 2011.

“Even with these increases, there is a good possibility that we may not be able to cover all the costs and would have to look at [obtaining] other funds,” Fabrizio said.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.