I trust everyone has or will be digging out from our most recent snow event; it seems like Le Sueur received around 10” of snow! As always, I can most easily be reached at jkruggel@cityoflesueur.com or by phone at 507-593-8312; now onto City business.
Utility Rates
I thought I'd take some time to discuss some of the utility rates that have changed starting in 2020 and go over how each of these funds are used. A full detailed list of the utility rates can be found here:
http://www.cityoflesueur.com/DocumentCenter/View/2095
Wastewater Rates
As many are aware, the City of Le Sueur recently constructed a modern wastewater treatment plant in 2006. Since the construction of this facility, the wastewater rates in the community have increased substantially. Over the past three years, staff has striven to develop a plan to ensure we meet our financial obligations with this facility. The 2020 rates for wastewater reflect a revenue and expense model that covers all costs of the facility and sets aside some funds for future maintenance projects required to keep the plant operating efficiently.
What Changed?
- Sanitary access fees increased (Residential: $20.00 to $25.00 per month)
- Usage rates decreased ($13.50 to $12.85) per 1,000 gallons used
Water Rates
The City of Le Sueur water rates will have a change to the billing structure. This is related to usage rates and we have adopted a tiered system of fees. If you use between 0 and 10,000 gallons of water, your rate per 1,000 gallons used is $3.25. If you use between 10,001 and 20,000 gallons of water, your rate per 1,000 gallons used is $3.75. If you used >20,001 gallons of water, your rate per 1,000 gallons used is $4.25. The 2019 rate was $4.00 per 1,000 gallons used, so if you use under 20,000 gallons per month, you will see a reduction in your usage rate.
What Changed?
- Water access fees increased (Residential 5/8” meter: $15.00 to $20.00 per month)
- Implemented a tiered water usage fee schedule
Electric Rates
The City of Le Sueur electric rates will remain almost the same as last year. City Council approved a small increase in the franchise fee and implemented a new fee related to underground conversion. The underground conversion fee will help expedite the process of converting our aging above ground electric infrastructure to underground. We hope to do a major underground conversion project every two or three years based on direction from City Council. Converting our overhead lines to underground will help the City deliver a more reliable electric service to the community.
What Changed?
- Similar rates to 2019
- Underground conversion rate of $0.005/kWh
- Increase in Franchise Fee from $0.004/kWh to $0.0042/kWh
Stormwater Rates
The City of Le Sueur adopted a Stormwater Utility in 2018. There is an enormous need to maintain our aging stormwater infrastructure in the community. These items include catch basis, manholes, stormwater pipes, and stormwater ponds. This fund is following an implementation rollout plan with increases annually going toward the maintenance of our stormwater system.
What Changed?
- Base rate increased from $8.00 to $9.50
- A parcel <0.50 acres in size will see an increase from $6.00 to $7.13 per month
Refuse
The City of Le Sueur has a contract allowing Waste Management exclusive rights to residential refuse accounts within our city limits. The rates adopted by City Council are a pass through from what Waste Management charges the City, with an administrative fee.
What Changed?
- 2% increase in refuse container fees
- A restructuring of the administrative fees
Overall Thoughts
Again, if you would like additional information on anything City related, please feel free to reach out! I can be reached at 507-593-8312 or by email at jkruggel@cityoflesueur.com. I am looking forward to Spring and warmer weather! Again, the 2020 utility rates can be found by using this link:
http://www.cityoflesueur.com/DocumentCenter/View/2095