Sanitary sewer rates for those in the Village of Northport will likely increase by at least $20 in the months ahead, with the debt collection portion of the quarterly sanitary sewer bills anticipated to raise from $87 to $107.50. Northport village council trustees discussed the increase during their work session on July 3 and will come back to make a final decision at its regular meeting on July 17.
According to Northport Village Manager Jered Ottenwess’ July 3 report, the bonds that paid for the sanitary sewer system are due to mature in 2028. Revenue collected from special assessments and rates are projected to be insufficient to completely pay the “bond indebtedness,” and will ultimately lead to the Sewer Debt Fund having a projected shortfall of $118,575 by 2028.
That projected shortfall by 2028 divided by 526 residential equivalent units (REU) equates to a $225 shortfall per REU. An increase of $20.48 per REU starting with bills that would be sent out around July 21 would cover the shortfall over the remaining 11 quarterly billing cycles.
