It is the purpose of this article to provide for the recovery of costs from users of the City's wastewater system for the implementation of the programs and services described herein.
A. 
The City may adopt charges and fees, which may include:
(1) 
Fees for reimbursement of costs of setting up and operating the City's pretreatment program.
(2) 
Fees for monitoring, inspections and surveillance procedures.
(3) 
Fees for reviewing accidental discharge procedures and construction.
(4) 
Fees for permit applications.
(5) 
Fees for filing appeals.
(6) 
Fees for consistent removal by the City POTWs of pollutants otherwise subject to federal pretreatment standards.
(7) 
Other fees as the Commission may deem necessary to carry out the requirements contained herein.
B. 
These fees relate solely to the matters covered by this chapter and are separate from all other fees chargeable by the City.
C. 
In accordance with the powers and duties set forth in Chapter 3, Article XII, of the Code of the City of Fitchburg, the City shall have the power to periodically review and recommend changes to the wastewater treatment rate upon the request of the DPW. Such requests shall, by petition, be presented to the City Council which shall have final authority to approve or disapprove same.
D. 
Sewer connection permits: There shall be three classes of building sewer permits: single-family residential, multifamily, and commercial and industrial. In each case, the owner or his or her agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the City.
[Amended 11-17-2020 by Ord. No. 236-2020]
(1) 
The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Commissioner.
Single-family:
$2,000 sewer permit fee
Multifamily class:
$2,000 for the first unit, and $1,000 for each additional unit
Commercial and industrial class:
$2,000 for 0 to 1,000 gallons per day plus $1.50 per gallon per day for 1,001 to 2,000 gallons per day
$3,500 plus $0.75 per gallon per day for 2,001 to 10,000 gallons per day;
$9,500 plus $0.50 per gallon per day for 10,001 to 50,000 gallons per day; and
$40,000 for greater than 50,000 gallons per day.
(2) 
The sewer connection fee shall include four hours of inspectional services. In addition, there shall be a fee of $75 per hour for all additional sewer-related inspectional services, not inclusive of the four-hour inspectional services. Approval of commercial and industrial permits must be obtained from the Commissioner, after review and recommendation by the Commission, before a permit can be issued.
[Added 11-17-2020 by Ord. No. 236-2020; amended 5-16-2023 by Ord. No. 122-2023]
Minimum Monthly Charges (includes usage of up to and including 300 cubic feet per month)
Meter Size
Current Rate
June 1, 2023
June 1, 2024
June 1, 2025
June 1, 2026
June 1, 2027
All meters
$26.81
$28.70
$30.70
$32.85
$35.15
$37.60
Monthly Sewer Rate to be charged for usage in excess of 300 cubic feet per month
Current Rate
June 1, 2023
June 1, 2024
June 1, 2025
June 1, 2026
June 1, 2027
Rate per 100 cubic feet (which equals 748 gallons)
$10.38
$11.11
$11.88
$12.72
$13.61
$14.56
Monthly 'Sewer-Only' Sewer Use Charges
Meter Size
Current Rate
June 1, 2023
June 1, 2024
June 1, 2025
June 1, 2026
June 1, 2027
All meters
$86.50
$92.56
$99.03
$105.97
$113.38
$121.32