(BEDFORD) – Bedford is preparing for a major renovation at the Waste Water Treatment Plant located on Pumphouse Road.
To help with the project and offset some higher sewer rates, the Bedford Redevelopment Commission approved contributing $2 million toward the Utilities Department and $587,000 for five years to the debt service fund in a special meeting Monday afternoon.
The funds from the RDC come from Tax Incremental Financing Districts and Bedford Redevelopment members wanted to offset a major rate increase on city residents.
The Bedford City Council passed the second passage of two ordinances that pertain to this project during their meeting Monday night.
A third and final passage would have to be approved before the new rates and bond issuance is approved.
The first ordinance is a new rate schedule that will increase sewer rates for city residents.
The second ordinance is the issuance of the $12.8 million bond for the costs of the project.
The project itself is expected to cost closer to $9.2 million rather than the full $12.8 million. The larger amount was added in case there are overruns in the project.
A typical household of four will use between 3,500 – 4,000 gallons of water.
A public hearing will be held at a later date for the Bedford City residents to comment on this project.
Below is an example of what the current sewer rates are and a example of the future rate increase.
Current Sewer Rates / Future Rates / Difference
- 1,000 gallons – $17.25 / $20.87 / $3.62
- 4,000 gallons – $36.42 / $44.06 / $7.64
The rate increases will start around September after the public hearings and ordinances have been passed. A more detailed presentation for the public will be held at a later time.
