Low-income residents in Dayton could get reduced sewage rates

Low-income Dayton residents could get a break on their sewer bills if the Lyon County Commission approves a change to several fee schedules.

Lyon Utilities Director Mike Workman said low-income residents can already get a break on their water bills, and the commissioners will decide whether to add sewer to that program.

He said residents must go to Lyon County Human Services to fill out a form requesting the lower rates, and if they qualify on the basis of income and family size, they could end up with lower bills.

Those who qualify for the discount will pay 67 percent of $47.19, or $31.62, per month.

Those who qualify for the water discount pay 67 percent of the regular base rate of $20.54 for up to 5,000 gallons a month, or $13.76, with the same $2.53 per thousand gallons overuse charge.

Workman said if approved these rates will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009, but a small increase in water and sewer will take place July 1, 2009, at beginning of the next fiscal year.

"We have built in a small incremental increase on an annual basis that go into effect in July of each year," he said, adding that notices will be sent out with utility bills.

The Lyon County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Thursday in Dayton on whether to adopt the low-income rates for sewer, as well as lower rates for multi-family sewer connections and miscellaneous fees for the Dayton water and sewer, and Mound House water systems.

Connection fees for multifamily units with separate or no laundry facilities will total $5,770 beginning Jan. 1, if approved by the commissioners.

Other fees will be on subdivision permit and improvement plan fee, inspection and testing fees, any additional costs borne by the utility, improvement costs, new account set-up, meter pull or damaged meter tag, final commercial inspection, overtime or holiday inspections, among others.

A second hearing on the rates will be held Nov. 5 in Yerington.

- Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-7351.