Annawan increases water & sewer rates

Annawan residents will soon see an increase in their monthly water and sewer bills.

At their meeting Tuesday, Aug. 14 the village board unanimously approved the increase in rates - for the base amount of 0 to 2,000 gallons; the rate will increase from $11.50 to $12.50. For every 1,000 gallons used in excess of 2,000 gallons, the user will pay an additional $2.75. The rate increase will start in October.

In addition, trustees approved an increase in sewer rates, from $11.50 to $13.50 for up to 2,000 gallons used and an additional $2.75 for every 1,000 gallons used in excess of 2,000 gallons.

Mayor Tim Wise said the increase in rates is needed due to added expenses and aging infrastructure.

“We have not had an increase in water and sewer rates since 2007,” he said.

He presented an example that lists a 2,000-gallon water and sewer user paying a $3 monthly increase in their bill. A 5,000-gallon user will see an increase of $8.37 in their monthly charge.

In other business, the board agreed to explore a solar panel ordinance to be added to the village zoning as a result of the increased popularity in solar panels in the village, the mayor said. “We have some solar panels in place in the village and there is no ordinance for those so we need to explore some guidelines.”

The board also agreed to research implementing an ordinance governing allowing chickens within the village limits as there is no current ordinance.

Wise also told the board that interviews will begin Tuesday, Aug. 21, to fill the vacancy created with the resignation of Lauren Dynes, park and recreation director.