Sewer rate increase begins

TIFFIN - The city of Tiffin sewer rate increase began Monday. Back in September, city council unanimously approved to return the annual sewer tax rate increase to 5%. In July, Joe Crea, of Raftelis presented the findings of the 2025 sewer study, which ended with the recommendation that the city return the annual increase to 5%. "Inflation and improved clarity on project needs have driven capital costs significantly higher than originally planned," he said. "Inflation has really hit the cost of the sewer enterprises and the capital needs pretty dramatically." To adjust revenue, city staff discussed the following options: One-time increase of 9% to annual rates, effective in 2024. Then, resume 4% increases beyond 2024. Temporary Long-Term Control Plan fee. A fee of $12 a month, effective from the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2032. Resume a 5% increase would be effective in 2024. Lowest near-term burden on taxpayers. "It (the increase) will allow the city to finance capital projects without putting additional burden on ratepayers," Crea had concluded.