The Carroll County Board of Supervisors has scheduled the public hearing for a proposed ordinance change to raise wastewater rates in Maple River for their Monday, Sept. 9 meeting. The proposed ordinance will increase rates for customers of the rural sewer system from $55 per month to $75. The change comes as a result of concerns from the board over the long-term financial sustainability of the utility. Due to a combination of factors, including Maple River’s proximity to the Middle Raccoon River, adverse environmental factors, and a complex system of interconnected septic tanks, the utility recorded higher-than-expected expenses in the last several years. The Carroll County Board of Supervisors approved a $10,000 internal loan to address the short-term financial needs. The $20/month increase will help the system generate a small reserve fund to prevent a similar situation down the line. Due to the rate being defined by county ordinance, the board must go through the public hearing and multi-reading process to approve the rate adjustment. Again, the first hearing is scheduled for the supervisors’ Sept. 9 meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the courthouse.
