Finance committee discusses new storm water rate increase
The Glencoe City Finance and Strategic Planning Committee met at the Glencoe Fire Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and discussed a storm water rate increase, among other topics.
City Administrator Mark Larson introduced a potential storm water rate increase. The rate was last increased in late 2014 from $3.50 to $5 a month, which generates $160,000 in revenue. The new proposed increase would raise the rate to $7.50 in 2016 and to $10 in 2017. This rate would generate an additional $160,000.
This increase is proposed for two reasons:
First, to pay for the proposed Northeast Drainage project. Larson said depending on the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District’s portion, the city might have to pay up to $800,000, though he hopes it will be less. The city would make payments of about $69,000 over the next 15 years.
The second reason is to allow the city to hire a new employee in the streets deparment. This position would assist with the implementation of the municipal stormwater MS4 permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This would cost $67,072.97 a year, including benefits.
Council Member Allen Robeck said he thought raising the rates to pay for the Northeast Drainage project was a good idea and better than assessing residents, but he did not think the city needs to hire another employee.
For more, see the Feb. 3 print edition of The Chronicle.