Increases in Jeffersonville’s sewer tap-in fees will be phased in over the next two years, increasing from $1,500 to $3,300.
That increase only applies to those requesting new building permits, meaning people living in existing homes in the recently or to-be annexed areas north and east of Jeffersonville’s city limits will pay $1,500 to tap into the city’s sewer system.
Residents in those annexation areas — one annexation went into effect last year and the other starts on Jan. 1 — are being added to the system. State law allows municipalities to force those with a line within 300 feet of their property line to hook onto the city’s sewers.
The increased tap-in fees — also known as capacity fees — are a part of a larger ordinance that also raises sewer rates by nearly 200 percent over the next five years. Under the ordinance, which was approved unanimously by the Jeffersonville City Council Monday night, the average monthly sewer bill would go from about $24 per month to about $73 per month.
The hikes in the rates and the tap-in fee will finance repair and expansion of the city’s sewer system and correct problems with combined sewer overflows, which wash untreated sewage into waterways during heavy rainfalls. The city has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pledging to correct the problem.
“We’re being held hostage here, don’t have a choice,” said Councilman Ed Zastawny. He said he voted for the tap-in increase because he wants the city to “have control of its own destiny.”
The council will need to vote on the ordinance one more time before it’s final. The final vote is expected Dec. 7.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
• The council approved $10,512 for new turnout gear — the protective, yellow suits worn by firefighters at fire scenes. The money will replace six aging sets of gear, according to Shawn Grant, deputy fire chief.
• Several residents of Jonquill Drive attended the meeting, protesting a plan to put sidewalks on their street. One resident said the paths would make yards smaller and uproot trees. Another said that it would encourage nearby apartment dwellers who frequently walk down the street to peek into windows and doors of homeowners there.
Councilwoman Barbara Wilson, who represents the district in which Jonquill Drive is located, said she’s heard from others who want the sidewalks. No resolution was reached. Mayor Tom Galligan said he’d meet with the residents to talk about the project.
• The council approved an ordinance that would reclassify the city from a third-class city to a second-class city. The state classification system relates to population. Jeffersonville’s population will top the minimum threshold of 35,000 with next year’s annexation.
The reclassification would mean a larger city council — nine members instead of seven. Additionally, an appointed controller, rather than an elected clerk-treasurer, would oversee city finances.
One more vote is needed on that ordinance before it becomes final.
Clark County
Jeffersonville sewer tap increases to be phased in
Those living in annexed areas will pay former rate
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Half of Jeffersonville Fire Department overtime budget already gone
During the closing moments of the meeting Councilman Matt Owen said he was shocked by Mayor Moore’s plans and comments pertaining to two Jeffersonville Parks and Recreation Department matters reported in the News and Tribune during the last week.
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Charlestown resident makes appeal for filtration plant
“I understand that manganese is a secondary contaminant and it’s not something that’s necessarily harmful to health,” Burchett said. “I would much prefer that the water that comes into my home have as little manganese in it as possible, as well as anything else. I just want water.”
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 7, 2012
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Student sues to wear breast cancer bracelet
An Indiana eighth-grader sued his school district in federal court Monday for the right to wear a bracelet promoting breast cancer awareness with the message “I (heart) Boobies.”
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Elderly man robbed outside Jeffersonville bank
The man returned to his car and sat down to close the car door when Williams grabbed the door and reached inside the vehicle, Hollis said.
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A fair fee? Indiana imposing fees for 4-H participants for the first time
Allen said his hope is the fee being charged by the state and the county will be enough to cover costs and that 4-H members will not be asked to cover any more expenses.
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“They have never had to pay a program fee,” Allen said. - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 6, 2012
- Feb 5, 2012
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CAPITOL CROSSROADS: Bauer tactics unite, divide outnumbered Dems
Democrats like Rep. Peggy Welch, who was drawn into a more Republican district last year, refused to boycott with Bauer.
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Greater Clark begins Fitness Calendar Challenge
Teresa Stengel, health services coordinator, said if other family members get involved with students, children might be more likely to continue with exercise routines and watching their diets.
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Man struck, killed on I-65
The preliminary investigation shows Jones was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Penske rental van driven by Patrick Shroering, 26, of Mount Washington, Ky.
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