The City of Jefferson continues to take steps in order to make a major upgrade to one of its department’s facilities.

The wastewater treatment plant was found to no longer be in compliance with the new discharge standards, as outlined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. City Administrator Mike Palmer says it was determined to make improvements to the current facility, which would cost between $10 million to $12 million, while building a new structure would be double the price.

With financing to be finalized, Palmer points out the City needs to make payments upfront, the taxpayer is being involved now.

“The users or the consumers on the system now have some increases. Earlier in the year, the (City) Council approved an increase of, I believe it’s five-percent per year for the next five years. That’s part of what we had to do, so we can bond later and access these state revolving loan funds.     

Mayor Matt Gordon believes the City positioned itself well by annually raising the sewer and water rates by three-percent, unlike some other areas when larger projects are needed to be done.

“I found that some cities don’t raise their rates every year and then they get into a spot where they have to do upgrades, and they have to make those huge jumps. One city in particular is going to do 20-percent for the next three years.” 

Palmer adds, the project is anticipated to be completed by June of 2024.