Guy Howell, Maintenance Supervisor Ramon Lujan
Robert "John" Kimzey
Water, trash rates will increase in December  Water rates will increase by approximately 1.5 percent. The increase reflects a new policy developed in 2017 so customers have small incremental increases each year instead of larger ones after several years. “The increase is necessary to maintain and upkeep all services the City supplies,” said Mayor Rob Narron. “Our costs to produce the services increase each year, but we strive to keep those increases as minimal as possible.” The new rates raise the base 25 cents in price, from $17.75 per month to $18.00 per month for residents inside the city limits. Those who live outside the city limits will see an increase of 30 cents in the base price, from $19.00 to $19.30 per month. Base prices on the water include the first 2,000 gallons of water used. In-town customers will pay $3.08 per 1,000 gallons after the base. Out-of-town customers will pay $4.09 per 1,000 gallons after the base. Previously in-town paid $3.03 per 1,000 after the base and out-of-town customers paid $4.03 per 1,000 gallons after the base. Residential trash rates will increase approximately 4 percent, reflecting a 2 percent increase the city absorbed two years ago and a 2 percent increase being implemented by the trash contractor, Waste Connections, in 2019. Both increases were built into the original contract with Waste Connections. “The increase for trash was necessary to keep that utility from falling behind,” Narron said. “Rates are closely aligned with the contract price for trash.” The new residential trash rates are: In-town: $22.88 per month (includes a 95-gallon trash and 95-gallon recycle container)
Out-of-town: $23.34 per month (includes a 95-gallon trash and 95-gallon recycle container)
Commercial rates:
There are ways to save money on water and sewer bills
There are several ways to help cut the cost of water and sewer bills.
Sewer averages set during winter
Watch water usage closely in December, January, February and March. Sewer usage for the year is set by using the average of water usage during those months.
The new sewer average goes on bills in April and is in place for the rest of the year.
If you have a leak during the months in which the sewer average is set, save your receipts from the plumber or from the purchase of plumbing supplies. Take the receipts to City Hall to show that the leak is fixed and the final sewer average will be adjusted according to the timing of the leak.
Water-saving tips
Fix leaks. Watch your water bill each month. Leaks usually start small and gradually increase. If you have a question about your usage, call City Hall at 488-3433 and information on your usage history can be readily provided.
Change water faucets and toilets to low-flow usage. An efficient shower head can drop water usage by almost one-half. A low-flow toilet will also save water usage.
Use water sense rated dishwashers and washing machines. Only use the appliances when there is a full load to wash.
Place a half gallon milk jug filled with water in the tank of older toilets to save water when flushing.
Head to the car wash. The time limit on the wash encourages you to be more efficient and saves the usage at home.
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing hands.
Xeriscape yard landscaping and utilize a rain barrel to catch water. Know what your plants and/or grass need for optimum sustainability. Most people overwater their landscape.
City burn pit is open for yard waste only
The City burn pit at the sewer plant (one mile south of town on Line Street) is for yard waste only,
 including trees, brush, leaves and grass clippings.
The burn pit will be left unlocked unless the use of this facility is abused by dumping of items that do not comply with the state permit, such as fencing, decking and other lumber materials. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment does monitor the City of Belle Plaine for compliance. All bagged material must be emptied and bags placed in container next to the gate. You can help monitor correct usage by calling 911 if you see illegal dumping in the burn pit.  City maintenance employee has state certification
City of Belle Plaine Maintenance Employee Ramon Lujan is state certified in both municipal water and sewer services.
|
Maintenance
Subpages (1):
Trash Service