Carroll County officials are working with Maple River residents to address the financial sustainability of the unincorporated town’s sewer system. Currently, customers in Maple River pay $55 per month in sewer fees, which is one of the higher rates in the county. County officials, who manage the plant for the small community, say a rate increase may be necessary to cover expenses. County officials hosted a town hall meeting last night (Tuesday) in Maple River to provide details on the challenges and discuss potential solutions. The Maple River Plant serves 42 customers and brings in only $2,310 per month in revenue. Nearly all of that goes to maintenance fees and contracts, leaving about $120 per month to go into a reserve fund. The problems began when the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requested every septic tank in town be pumped in the same year due to high nitrate levels at the plant, leading to a $6,200 bill the community didn’t have the funds to pay. The county proposed increasing the rate to $75 per month, which will help address the outstanding bills, service the $82,000 debt remaining from the plant’s construction, and allow the town to start building a reserve so a similar situation doesn’t occur again. Residents argue they are already paying above-average rates and are opposed to an increase. They requested the county explore combining the outstanding bills with the existing loan and determine the feasibility of refinancing it. In the short term, the county will cover the remaining bills and return to the community with a slate of potential solutions.
