Georgetown, Del., February 28, 2006: Users of Sussex County’s newest public sewer system will get their chance to comment on proposed rates when County Council holds a public hearing later next month.

Sussex County officials today introduced an ordinance that proposes the first-ever assessment rates and service charges for users in the Oak Orchard Sewer District, a $12.5 million public waste water project authorized by referendum in February 2000. The system, which will serve approximately 900 users, is expected to be operational by April 1.

Public comment will be taken on the proposed rates at a public hearing during the Sussex County Council meeting at 10 a.m. March 28 at the Administrative Offices Building in Georgetown.

Under the proposed rate structure, district users would pay $4.46 per front foot for the assessment portion of their sewer bill; in addition, users would pay an annual service charge of $224 for each equivalent dwelling unit, or EDU. The typical user, with a 75-foot lot assessment and one EDU, would see an annual sewer bill of $558.98.

County Finance Director David B. Baker said the rates are in line with what voters approved in the 2000 referendum. Voters authorized assessments up to $4.94 per foot, and annual service charges of $225.

Users in the new district also approved a one-time connection fee of $1,100, but Mr. Baker said that fee will not be necessary thanks in large part to nearly 60 percent of the project’s financing coming from grants. The proposed service charges and assessment rates will be enough to cover the balance of the project’s cost, which will be paid for through 20- and 40-year low-interest bonds, Mr. Baker said.