Keokuk, IA – Keokuk must look at increasing sewer rates to address some long-range projects. Keokuk wants to make a number of upgrades and additions to its wastewater plant in the very near future. The projects include replacing several roofs and purchasing equipment and a bio-solids truck. Wastewater Superintendent, Chuck Pietscher, says sewer rates will have to go up to pay for these projects. Early projections, from a recently commissioned rate study, show the city would have to hike residential rates by nearly 75%, over the next 5 years, to pay off some projects in a timely maner. Keokuk is one of a number of cities in Iowa that must also look at building seperate systems for storm water and sanitary sewers. Pietscher says that project could cost the city in excess of $32,000,000.
Keokuk Will Consider Sewer Rate Hikes
