Clarkston Public Works Director Kevin Poole told councilors the majority of the 29 miles of sewer lines running throughout the city have outlived their engineered lifespans and are in dire need of upgrades.
Possible rate hikes over the next five years is likely needed to fix the problems and avoid a catastrophic collapse of the system.
The Lewiston Tribune reports that during a wastewater financial plan and rate forecast presented by a consultant, four options were outlined. The minimum increase needed to fund operations calls for an 8.5% rate hike over the next five years. Monthly bills would increase from $47.07 in 2023 to $65.23 in 2027 under the plan.
The high end of the range is a 14.5% increase for the same time period, which would cover necessary repairs. In that scenario, monthly residential sewer bills would jump from $49.67 in 2023 to $85.37 in 2027. (Lewiston Tribune)
