NEWSLETTER
MAY 2000

P.O. Box 231, 
Hawarden, Iowa 51023 
(712) 551-2565         Fax  (712) 551-1117

 

WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES

During the last several months the City Council has studied water and sewer rates as part of the budgeting process. Our rates in these areas have not been adjusted since 1993 and 1991 respectively. During that same time many items other than inflation have increased our costs to provide these services. Below is a summation of the factors affecting water and sewer, the new rate changes, and estimated impacts: [Links to Water and Sewer Ordinances] 

Factors Affecting Water

• Water was last raised in 1993.
• Since the last increase we have:

1. Built a Chlorination Treatment Plant 1993 ($350,000)
2. Upgraded Two New Wells in 1993 ($52,000)
3. The items above were bonded for with an annual payment of approximately $38,600 until 2008
4. Added new poly-phosphate injectors at three wells

• We have planned waterline upgrades for next 2 years and beyond ($12,000+/-).
• Increased the operator license requirements (due to water Plant)
• Expect labor costs to increase by over $2,000 dollars per year. (New Union Contract)
• Budgeted Deficits from reserves for the last 5 years including this year. ($63,000+)
• We are one of the lowest rates in the area even after the increase.

New Rate Change

The base rate will go up from $6.70 to $9.00 and the gallon rate will go up approximately 20 cents per 750 gallons of water used.

Estimated Impact

That new water rates are expected to cost the average household just over $5 per month on average over the year. Those that water their lawns frequently will experience a slightly higher increase.

Factors Concerning Sewer

• Sewer was last raised in 1991.
• Sewer plant is now 27years old. Some money has been set aside for rehab not enough for replacement.
• Some sewer lines are getting to the age when replacement will be necessary 60years+. No money has been set-aside for this purpose. These projects are very expensive because they involve going through the middle of Street.
• Increased operator license requirements (stricter standards) and more regulatory testing is now required.
• Labor costs are expected to increase by up $3,000 dollars per year over the next 2 years.
• Project Budgeted Deficit this year ($30,000).
• We are one of lowest rates in the area and would still be with proposed rates.

Rate Change

The base rate will go up from $9.62 to $12.00 for residential and $11.82 to $14 for non-residential. The gallon rate will go up approximately 9 cents per 750 gallons.

Estimated Impact

The sewer increase will cost the average resident under $4 per month. Sewer is capped for residential.

Smaller non-residential users will experience approximately the same rate.

GARBAGE FUEL SURCHARGE

Beginning this month, residential customers will notice a small fuel surcharge on their bills for garbage collection. [See this link] This surcharge will be between 0 and 30 cents per month depending on the price of fuel in the previous months. Non-residential customers may experience a higher surcharge depending on their individual agreements with their waste hauler. This charge is a result of higher fuel prices experienced by our waste hauler - Independent Waste. Although this is a minor charge we wanted to keep you informed of any changes in your bill.

THANK YOU!!!!

The City of Hawarden would like to thank Bruce Woodley from Jubilee Foods in Hawarden for the donation of seedling trees. We also need to thank the West Sioux FFA for planting the trees. There were 60 trees planted at the cemetery and over 100 at the Landfill site north of town.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - 2000 "GOD'S GREAT GET TOGETHER"
Noah's Ark - 2000 Ark Ave

Come to hear Bible stories, games, crafts, music and skits daily at Valley View Gym. Bible School will be held on May 30 and 31 - 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM and on June 1 - 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM. Students must be 4 years old to 5th grade and need to be registered by May 10th. Sixth to twelfth graders are needed for skits and as helpers and they also need to register. Pick up registration forms at your church or New Life Book Store.

 

TWO NATIONALLY KNOWN ARTIST ARE COMING TO RODNEY'S

WHERE: CENTRAL AVENUE ART GALLERY IN HAWARDEN

WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 18th 4-8 PM

Chris Cummings and Susan Bourdt two nationally know artists from the state of Oregon will be visiting only two art galleries in Iowa.

Chris Cummings began painting in the mid 60's and decided to devote full time to her art in 1972. While primarily painting in oils, she also likes to use pen and ink with watercolor washes. Her favorite subject is draft horses because of their gentle nature and honesty. Chris will be bringing original artwork valued from $4,300 to $16,000.

Susan became interested in painting watercolor by the age of ten. Prior to 1983 Susan pursued her education in biology and art at Montana State University. After graduation and several years of teaching drawing and watercolor, plus free lance work in art, Susan made the decision to direct all of her effort towards her art career. Her specialty is songbirds and North American mammals in their natural habitat. Susan will be bringing originals valued from S995 to $5,200. We will have many of their prints on display in the gallery.

Please stop in and see their original artwork and prints, and visit with them at a reception from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 18 at Rodney's Central Avenue Art Gallery, downtown Hawarden.