From left, Leesburg Town Council Vice-President Tom Moore, Council President Christina Archer and Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Mike Searfoss  Feb. 13. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — At a public hearing Monday, Feb. 13, Leesburg Town Council announced their intent to increase sewer rates.

A decision was made at the council meeting in December to raise the town’s sewer rate for the first time in more than a decade. The town was then required to have a public meeting addressing the sewer rate increase before moving forward with the process.

Leesburg Council President Christina Archer Monday, Feb. 13. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

A study performed last spring by Baker Tilley led to the recommendation Leesburg raise its monthly sewer rate by $6.50 per month, from the current rate of $73 to $79.50. 

“We’ve gone through a lengthy procedure of being evaluated and in order to be in good standing with our bond holders, you have to maintain appropriate funding,” Council President Christina Archer stated. “Although we are in good standing right now, the issue is you need to continue to be in good standing with the bond holders and as our system grows older, we realize that since it was all put in at pretty much the same time, everything kind of wears out at one time.”

In addition, Council Vice-President Tom Moore pointed out, the cost of maintenance is increasing. 

Leesburg resident Mike Beezley and Moore briefly discussed the history of the town’s sewer rate, with Beezley saying he supports the move to bump up the rate.

A vote will be taken at the March town council meeting to officially adopt the new rate.

Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Mike Searfoss said the rate increase will likely not show up until the May billing. 

In addition, Derek Tenney of Tenney & Sons provided a monthly sanitary sewer report regarding calls related to sewer issues.

Moore and Tenney will be finalizing details of the sewer system preventative maintenance schedule.

Lastly, town officials would like to remind residents of the following: No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. all seven days of the week; No burning anything at any time; Be mindful of what you flush.

In other news:

• Council approved a reduced sewer rate for the location formerly known as Stacy’s. The establishment is no longer operating as a restaurant. 
• Street Commissioner Craig Charlton provided a street department monthly report addressing equipment status, ordinance violations and the status of town projects. 
• Council approved accepting a quote from Insight Pipe Contracting LLC for cleaning, root removal and closed circuit television video (CTTV) inspection of the west alley storm water drain. 
• The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. March 13.