Maple River residents should expect a $20 increase to their monthly utility bill soon, as county officials have approved a plan to address the rural sewer system’s cashflow difficulties. Maple River’s issue began several years ago after the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requested all septic tanks in the community be pumped to address excess nitrate discharge into the Middle Raccoon River. The cost for this correction exceeded the system’s reserve funds, and the supervisors met with residents in June to workshop ideas to better equip the rural wastewater utility for unscheduled expenses in the future. County officials prepared two options for customers, as leaving rates unchanged was not feasible. Auditor Kourtney Payer detailed Option 1.
Payer says Option 2 offers a lower monthly payment for customers but lengthens the terms on the Maple River system’s existing loan debt.
County officials sent a survey to the system’s 45 customers, and about half responded. Twelve respondents indicated they preferred Option 1, while 11 people indicated they favored Option 2. Supervisors Gene Meiners, Mike Andersen, and Scott Johnson all supported the lower-interest choice.
Interim District 5 Supervisor Mark Beardmore adds it makes sense for the county to go with what the plurality of customers favored in the survey. The supervisors voted unanimously during Monday’s meeting to proceed with Option 1 for the Maple River Sewer System. The change will require an ordinance amendment as the rate is explicitly listed in Carroll County Ordinance #33.
