See Berne sewer rate hike ordinance passed

Higher bills come in July

The first sewer rate rise in a decade in Berne gained final approval by the city council on March 25, with the 25% increase becoming official in May, but not included on the monthly bills until July.

The vote was 4-0, with councilman Curtis Wurster absent.

A spokesman for the consulting firm that did a study of the sewer rates said the rate hike will allow Berne to “catch up” on its expenses as well as to “build up” for future needs.

Other matters –Another unanimous vote approved the final year of a 10-year tax abatement for First Bank of Berne, which met compliance rules by being two additional employees ahead and $1 million in pay ahead of the bank’s projected goals when the abatement was sought a decade ago, according to FBB’s chief financial officer, Matt Reinoehl.

–A tax abatement for Key Fasteners was also approved for continuance after it reported having 84 employees (three below the goal of 87), but an annual payroll of $896,000, which is far higher than the projected $350,000 by this point in the abatement process.

–An ordinance was introduced, then tabled on a 4-0 vote until the April 8 meeting to create a no-parking zone on Behring St. between Main St. and Water St., which is beside the Boys and Girls Club.