Utility rates are going up

HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council voted Monday to raise utility rates for the second year in a row.

When the Council began looking at its utility rates in 2019, Hartington Mayor Mark Becker said the increases were needed to make sure the city has the necessary funds for utility equipment repairs and replacement.

Prior to the 2020 increase, the city had no rainy day fund for equipment repair and replacement, Becker said.

Before voting to raise rates in November 2019, Council members noted Hartington’s rates were so far behind, they would have to go up incrementally for two years in a row in order to come into line with other like-sized communities across the state.

The new rates will bring the minimum sewer rates up to $24.75 per month for residences, businesses and industry.

The minimum monthly fee for basic residential garbage pick up will increase from $13.60 a month to $15 per month. The minimum fee for businesses with a dumpster will remain at $35 per month.

The minimum rate for water usage is now $25.06. That minimum rate allows for up to 2,500 gallons of water per month.

If a customer pays the minimum rate for water, sewer and garbage, their monthly utility bill will now be $68.05 when taxes are included, an increase of $12.25 per month over last year.

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