Oronogo sewer O&M billing back to the way it was intended

Customer billing for operation and maintenance of Oronogo’s sewer system should now be as intended – based on average water usage during the first three months of the year – instead of when usage is high in the summer.

The Oronogo Board of Aldermen held a special meeting before its regular meeting Monday to get the billing straightened out.

The problem became more than apparent when many customers received abnormally high utility bills because their sewer O&M charge was based on current water usage.

During their Aug. 12 meeting, board members voted unanimously to suspend O&M billing for the next two cycles.

Tax levy approved

The board approved the 2024 tax levy that is practically the same as last year, following a public hearing.

The new rate is $0.2584 ($0.2596 in 2023) per $100 assessed valuation for the general fund and $0.1233 ($0.1239 in 2023) per $100 assessed valuation for the street fund.

Even though current property evaluations have increased from $32,438,094 last year to $34,864,603 in 2024, proposed revenue is the same as last year, $90,000 for the general fund and $28,000 for the street fund.

New construction was down from $1,272,160 in 2023 to $1,105,120 in 2024.

‘They got him back’

It was reported at the Oronogo Board of Aldermen meeting Monday that police officers recently responded when alerted that a man, who had apparently overdosed on heroin, walked into a local convenience store.

Mayor Charles Wilkins said the officers administered two shots of Narcan.

“They got him back,” said Wilkins. “They basically saved a man’s life.”

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The board approved an agreement with Schuber Mitchell Homes for Plat 9 of the Hawthorn Hills subdivision, located north of Dollar General on Highway 96.

The approval was contingent on Schuber Mitchell making changes in the document that mirror their agreement with the city for Greystone II – and City Attorney Derek Snyder approving those changes. Registering it with the county clerk is also required.

Establishment of a home owners association is included in the agreement.

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A settlement for the repair of damage done to First Street as part of the EPA superfund cleanup was approved.

The EPA will reimburse the city in the amount of $36,024.