Chouteau discusses raising sewer rates

Sommer Woodward

Chouteau Public Works Authority (PWA) trustees approved a waste disposal request and discussed raising sewer rates during their monthly meeting.

Rick’s Septic requested approval to empty residential waste into the Chouteau Waste Water Treatment Plant. The truck used by Rick’s Septic holds 1,750 gallons. The board approved the request and will charge $25 per load dumped.

The board discussed raising sewer rates to improve the town’s chances at grant applications. The town currently charges a flat rate of $14.92 for residential customers.

Utility Superintendent Cecil Lane said nearby Salina and Locust Grove charge customers for sewer based on their water usage. Lane said average water usage in the state of Oklahoma is 3,000 gallons. At that amount, Lane said Locust Grove charges $21 and Salina charges $19.25.

“Are we hurting for money?” asked Trustee Brenda Cunningham. “Is PWA broke?”

PWA Secretary Juanita Rabbit said the town earns zero points toward grant applications with any sewer rate at or below $16. Mayor Jerry Floyd said Tami McKeon with Grand Gateway recommended the board raise their sewer rate to make them more competitive in the grant process.

With 670 customers, the town could raise an additional $3,000 to $4,000 per month, which can be used to commit to grant projects. Lane said most communities determine sewer rates by water usage.

The board took no action on raising rates to give trustees time to consider their options.

In other business:

• The board approved locking in natural gas prices for $5.95 from August 2009 through May 2010 with One OK.

• The board approved a commitment to pay $30,911 from operations and maintenance toward a sewer line project.

• A payment of $8,319.76 to the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group for insurance on the waste water treatment plant was approved.

• Russell Sullivan and Mayor Jerry Floyd were appointed to the PWA budget committee.

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