Gradual sewer rate increase begins Aug. 1

Beginning Aug. 1, Dexter residents will see an increase in their sewer bill.

The city stated the base rate will increase $2 per month for the next 18 months. The sewer service rate is currently calculated by charging $1.95 per 1,000 gallons of water consumed on top of the base monthly rate of $7.25.

“To avoid burdening the citizens of Dexter with a significant increase to their bill all at once, the city is taking a considerate approach to our citizens’ finances by implementing the voter-approved increase gradually,” said City Administrator David Wyman.

On April 2, voters passed a bond proposition, with a 72.2% approval, for sewer system improvements. The city council approved the sewer rate increase. The estimated construction cost for this improvement is $32 million.

Wyman said, “The city continues to work with the USDA Rural Development to secure the best funding package available for the planned improvements.”

In 2009, the Department of Natural Resources deemed the city treatment system inadequate. In November 2021, the city was issued an Abated Order of Consent and was referred to the Enforcement Division for possible daily fines.

Since 2023, the city has been under advisement from engineering consultants Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc.

For more information about city improvements, Wyman can be reached at 573-624-5959.