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PERALTA — The Peralta Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to raise wastewater rates at the regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The approval marks the community’s first increase in wastewater rates and connection fees in about a decade. The rate hike, which is 2 percent across the board, takes affect in January.
The changes in the rate include increases in monthly fees from $42.50 plus tax up to $43.35 for a single grinder pump. Monthly rates for double grinder pump for residential users remain at $57.50 plus tax.
Monthly fees for commercial users for a single grinder pump rose from $62.50 plus tax to $63.75. The monthly fee for double grinders for commercial customers rose from $78 plus tax to $79.56.
Connection fees were also raised, from $3,500 for a single residential single grinder unit, up to $4,500; and $5,500 for a double grinder pumping unit, up from $4,500.
It was noted in the resolution, “Connection fees for connection to the Sewer System shall be amended in order to eliminate the administrative burden of retaining a connection deposit. The Contractor will be performing the septic tank abandonment tasks for the Town. The Town shall not collect and deposit septic tanks abandonment funds into an escrow account from property owners.”
Also noted was a change for new connections to the system. The resolution reads, “For new connections after the construction phase has been completed, the connection fees will be based on market value and availability of the grinder unit.”
Despite the increase, it was noted that the new rates are still affordable because they do not cover the average cost of service.
Town Clerk Kori Taylor said the current market cost for installation of grinder pumps is currently “anywhere from $6,800 to $7,800.”
“It’s still a bargain,” responded Mayor Bryan Olguin. “We never increased this in, I don’t know how many years it’s been.”
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In other business, the council:
• Unanimously approved wastewater installation on Sage Road, pending verification of a public utility easement. During the meeting it was explained that the road, which is off La Ladera Road on the eastern edge, near the town limit, is a private road, which is why the utility easement is required.
The situation arose because of the recent death of a man whose property is on Sage Road. The property has a septic tank but cannot get approval from the state environmental department to install a new septic system.
Current town ordinance requires residents who want to sell to hook up to the sewer system, which was brought up in discussion. 10 homes are affected by the sewer line installation.
During discussion, counselors voiced concerns about the work on a private road. Mayor Olguin and Taylor said the issue came to the attention of town staff due to the impending sale and death of the previous owner, Edward Davis.
“I mean, whether it’s a private road or not, they’re still residents in town,” Olguin concluded.
