OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — While taxes will hold the line next year in Oil City, the same can’t be said for 2019 water fees and garbage and recycling fees with both rising slightly for different reasons.

For water rates, the minimum monthly charges will remain the same (see chart below) but the rate schedule based on the monthly reading will go up by 65 cents per 100 cubic feet of water used. That ranges from an 11.6 percent increase for those using 1,600 cubic feet to 3,200 cubic feet to an 18.1 percent increase for those using over 700,000 cubic feet (see chart below).

Sewage rates for persons/entities within the City will now be set at a monthly minimum of $9.50 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) plus an additional usage charge of $3.70 for each 100 cubic feet of water consumption read or reported. For tributary customers, the monthly rate will include a minimum charge of $10.35 per EDU plus an additional usage charge of $2.10 for each 100 cubic feet of wastewater production read of reported.

“The water increase is a direct result of the bonds we had to take out to complete some projects,” City Manager Mark Schroyer said.

Councilman Ron Gustafson noted the City has accomplished “a lot” in terms of infrastructure improvements over the past few years.

“We replaced a half mile of main line (water lines),” Gustafson said. “We are making good progress.”

Schroyer noted the City has been able to do a lot of the work in-house as opposed to bidding out the work.

“We have a good, conscientious crew who can do the work,” Schroyer said.

Schroyer noted that many people don’t notice the water-line improvements because the lines are underground and also because of the age of the system when one problem is fixed another usually springs up.

“You fix something and the water seeks the next weakest spot,” Schroyer said.

GLOBAL ECONOMY TO BLAME TO INCREASE IN GARBAGE/RECYCLING RATES

Schroyer blamed the global economy, most notably China not taking as much recycled material, as the reason for the garbage/recycling rates rising.

Garbage rates will also increase from $19.20 to $21.25 per month with recycling fees going from $8.70 to $10.00 per month.

The increase is coming at this time because the City’s current garbage contract with Tri-County Industries out of Grove City ends June 30, 2019.

“We have been told our premium will increase a minimum of 10 percent for recycling and refuge,” Schroyer said in November when the proposed increase was first placed on the table. “The recycling is based on China not accepting as much as in the past. So, we had to factor in the minimum 10 percent.”

Schroyer noted that it is amazing that something happening in China hurts Oil City.

“Who knew the global economy would affect Oil City,” Schroyer said.

2019 WATER SCHEDULE

Minimum Monthly Charge

For all 8-inch water meters: $106.50 per month
For all 6-inch water meters: $106.50 per month
For all 4-inch water meters: $71.50 per month
For all 3-inch water meters: $46.50 per month
For all 2-inch water meters: $26.50 per month
For all 1 ½-inch water meters: $21.50 per month
For all 1-inch or small water meters: $14.50 per month

RATE SCHEDULE BASED ON MONTHLY READING

From 0 cubic feet to 1,600 cubic feet add $5.70 per 100 cubic feet
From 1,600 cubic feet to 3,200 cubic feet add $5.60 per 100 cubic feet
From 3,200 cubic feet to 4,800 cubic feet add $5.55 per 100 cubic feet
From 4,800 cubic feet to 6,400 cubic feet add $5.50 per 100 cubic feet
From 6,400 cubic feet to 100,000 cubic feet add $5.30 per 100 cubic feet
From 100,000 cubic feet to 200,000 cubic feet add $4.90 per 100 cubic feet
From 200,000 cubic feet to 700,000 cubic feet add $4.50 per 100 cubic feet
Over 700,000 cubic feet add $4.25 per 100 cubic feet

A 14 percent penalty will be added to any bill not paid within 20 days, and these rates will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.