Bob Foos
The Oronogo Board of Alderman is going to hold a work session to fix a problem that is overcharging customers for operation and maintenance of the sewage system.
The O&M charge is in addition to the normal charge for sewer service for repairs and replacement. Like the sewer charge, city code (Section 720.060-720-080) the O&M charge is based on each user’s average water usage during January, February and March of each year.
Basing it on current usage during the summer penalizes users who typically use more water, for gardening as example, that doesn’t enter the sewage system.
Several customers appeared at the regular council meeting Monday to complain about receiving much higher than normal O&M charges – based on their current amount of water use.
Kima Francis (3rd Ward) raised her hand declaring she’s among those receiving high bills.
Until the billing system can be corrected, the board voted to suspend collection of the O&M fee for the next two billing cycles.
In response to a large number of nuisance calls from the first phase of the large Hawthorn Hills subdivision, Mayor Charles Wilkins called for a way to cover future municipal expenses associated with such projects.
He suggested an impact fee of perhaps $2,000 per lot to offset the “extraordinary amount” of public resources associated with “highly concentrated” housing.
During the last board meeting, Police Chief Steven Weaver reported a high number of calls to emergency services and 14 citations issued by his department in the previous 30-day period at the area known as Short Leaf Housing.
Darrell Orender (3rd Ward) clarified that houses in the problem neighborhood are rentals.
Francis said she would like to see how other areas are handling such situations.
Also during last month’s meeting, a representative of the developer, Schuber Mitchell Homes, said a new management firm will take over on Oct. 1.
Weaver reported Monday that all of the lots in the Short Leaf area have now been cleaned up.
“We are losing money” dealing with this “big stress on resources,” said Wilkins.
City Attorney Derek Snyder advised that the law allows an initial fee for lots. Alternatives he cited could be to increase building permit fees or increase property taxes.
Hawthorn Hills is considered a planned unit development north of Dollar General and the Jason Place subdivision. It is planned for more than 500 homes on lots roughly 50 feet in width.
Wilkins reported that he had received a building permit request for a new Dollar General.
However, he said a building permit cannot be issued before the sale of the property closes, which is expected to be in September.
The board voted on May 13, 2024, to sell 2.1 acres of vacant ground near the current Dollar General to The Overland Group for $159,000.
The Overland Group’s purpose for the property wasn’t known at the time, but the company’s website notes that it has developed more than 1,200 Dollar General stores.
The new site is on the north west corner of Highway 96 and Jason Place Boulevard, while the current store is on the northeast corner.
Tony Cantrell, public works superintendent, reported that replacing equipment damaged by lightning strikes earlier this summer at both of the city’s water wells will exceed $50,000.
He said the repairs have been completed and he is awaiting for an invoice before submitting an insurance claim.
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The meeting concluded with a closed session for personnel.
During a closed session on July 22, the board accepted the resignation of Pamela Heltzel, effective July 31. The former utilities collector was appointed as treasurer on Dec. 23, 2023, to succeed Linda Lacey, who had retired.
Lacey was elected as an alderman in April to represent the 1st Ward.
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