City sewer rate increase incoming

The second in a series of Springfield City Council-approved sewer rate increases is slated to take effect next month.

The hike for all customers is effective July 1, according to a news release. The city provided an example of the increase, in which average residential customers will see their bills rise by nearly 5% to $37.63 from $35.89 per month, according to a news release. The city defines an average residential customer as one who uses 4,488 gallons of water per month.

City officials say the rate increase will allow the municipality to improve aging sewer systems and remain in compliance with the federal Clean Water Act.

Council approved a three-year series of rate increases in January 2020. The last approved hike is slated to go into effect in 2023, according to the release.

The city makes no distinction between commercial and residential customers in sewer rates, according to past reporting.