Sewer utility rates down in Republic by 30 percent

Republic residents' utility bills have gone down, and city officials hope the rate reduction, plus the city's new wastewater treatment facility, will encourage business growth in Republic.

Sewer rates in Republic have de-creased by more than 30 percent, or about $14 per month, for the average household using an average of 6,000 gallons per month, according to a press release from the city of Republic.

In January 2001, city officials raised the sewer rates to pay for costs associated with the construction of the city's wastewater treatment facility.

City officials asked voters to go to the polls in April 2001 to pass a bond that would allow for the refinancing of the treatment facility through the State Re-volving Fund.

At that time, utility customers were promised that if the issue passed, they would see a reduction in their sewer rates effective January 2002.

"It is exciting to be able to make good on the city's promise to reduce rates by a substantial amount at the end of 2001 with the help of the current Board of Aldermen," said Mayor Keith Miller.

He added, "This more than 30 percent decrease will not only make it easier for residential customers to budget their water/sewer bills, but will also help us retain existing businesses and attract new ones. With the completion of the facility expansion and the rate reduction, Re-public is ready to move ahead with pursuing the development of a business park and allow the Wal-Mart Supercenter pro-ject to finally get under way."