Sewer rate increase takes effect tomorrow

With the start of the city of Springfield's new fiscal year tomorrow, a planned sewer rate increase goes into effect.

Users of an average 4,400 gallons of water per month will see their bills rise 4 percent to $27.29, compared to the current average of $26.27 per month, according to a news release.

A series of rate increases were approved by City Council in May 2011 and continue until fiscal 2016. Increases will occur each year and on July 1, 2016, the total monthly bill will be approximately $29.

Beginning in July 2011, residential and commercial customers were charged the same base rate of $12.43 per month and volume charge of $1.22 per cubic foot.

The funding goes toward improving the city's wastewater system. The plan was designed to fund $50 million in system improvements and raise the city's sewer fund operating balance to $20 million from $8 million, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

"Springfield must make additional investments in its wastewater system to continue meeting regulatory requirements and to protect the environment," Springfield Sewer Revenue Technician Kristy Haynes said in the release.