Maintaining Affordable Sewer Rates
The wastewater infrastructure and facility needs facing our community are expensive. The City has sought and received financial assistance from state and federal sources to maintain affordable sewer rates. Even with grant money and low-interest loans, Sandy’s sewer rates will need to increase. The City’s goal is to maintain affordability and avoid significant rate increases.
STATE AND FEDERAL FINANCING
Sandy has aggressively pursued free and low-cost financing from the State and Federal governments to save money for ratepayers. The project is currently fully funded, thanks to the following programs:
- Sandy was awarded a $14.7 million grant by the Oregon Legislature. The funding is part of the $2.6 billion awarded to the State of Oregon as part of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress in 2021.
- In 2022, Sandy will finalize a low-interest federal loan from the U.S. EPA’s WIFIA program. The loan will cover up to 80% of project costs and will save Sandy ratepayers over $15 million.
SEWER RATE INCREASES
To pay for Sandy Clean Waters, rates will rise. Information on the comprehensive utility rate adjustments adopted by the Council at their meeting on 6/21/22 is available here.
Sandy also has a Utility Bill Assistance Program to assist lower income households.
DEVELOPMENT PAYS ITS FAIR SHARE
Sandy’s new commercial and residential development projects pay a one-time System Development Charge (SDC) to purchase wastewater system capacity. In 2020, Sandy’s SDCs increased from $1,834 to $4,889 for a single-family residence to help support the portion of wastewater system improvement costs driven by growth. In 2021, SDCs increased to $5,157.90.
