A $24 million sewer overflow plan that could reduce sewage overflow into the White River by 96 percent will be the topic of a hearing at 4 p.m. Tuesday in city hall's auditorium.
The downside of this plan is that a 22-percent hike in sewage utility fees could result. The elimination of storm and sanitary sewers that often overflow into the river make up most of the needed work.
A 22-percent hike for this 10-year project would translate into an extra $1.90 per month for residential customers and $2.04 per month for industries.
"There is a rate increase, but look at what it does for the environment and quality of life," said Mike Rost, district administrator, in a Muncie Star Press report.
"This will have an incredible impact. It obviously will be very expensive," Judy Roepke, part of a citizens advisory committee making recommendations on the plan, told the Star Press.
Roepke said a clean river will promote recreation. Also, Muncie residents still use the river as their primary source of drinking water.
Basil Davis, Sr., a member of the Association of Concerned Taxpayers, objects to more rate hikes, saying, "Anytime you have non-elected people in government, all they are going to do is spend, spend and spend." Davis also told the Star Press the district should focus on resolving flooding problems in southside neighborhoods.
Here, the rate hike is a no-brainer. The cost is little but the results will be extraordinary for the Muncie community. Recreation and better drinking water are only a couple of the myriad benefits resulting from a rate increase, if the money is put to proper use.
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