Syracuse Town Council Approves Surcharge For Out Of Town Water Users

Syracuse Town Councilmen Larry Siegel, left, Nathan Scherer and Bill Musser look over paperwork as they discuss an issue during their regular meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 20. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — While there were no public remonstrators during a public hearing regarding a water rate increase for out of town users, Councilman Larry Siegel stated he couldn’t support the ordinance as it was written.

The hearing was held during the council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 20.

Siegel said he was fine with the 15% surcharge out of town water users would be charged. What he took issue with was where the ordinance stated, “ to ensure that persons who are receiving water service from the town who are beyond the town boundaries have fairly contributed to the capital and operating costs of the Syracuse waterworks system.”

Siegel claimed in the past out of town water users have not contributed to the capital or operations costs. He went on to state out of town water users “bilked the town out of millions of dollars.”

“I can’t do it. It’s not true. It won’t ever be true,” Siegel said about the language in the ordinance.

Town Attorney Jay Rigdon explained the language in the ordinance is there to state the purpose of imposing the rate in 2026. He told the council he used such language to protect the town from a potential legal challenge.

Councilman Nathan Scherer asked how important the word “fairly” was in the ordinance. Rigdon advised keeping it in saying, “it’s your ordinance, it’s your risk.”

The council voted 3 to 1 in favor of the ordinance.

“Larry has a good argument,” said Bill Musser, council vice president after the motion passed. “But in the grand scheme of things we’re trying to grow the town and the area … I think this was a very important vote.”

Councilman Paul Stoeling was absent from the meeting while Council President Cindy Kaiser Zoomed in. Musser conducted the meeting.

The council approved authorizing Kaiser as the signatory for the State Revolving Fund grant and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant.

A resolution designating the police department responsible for managing the pier rental program and receiving the funds from that program passed while an ordinance to change the fees was tabled after Siegel complained no one understood the language.

During department reports Scherer asked Wilkinson about the board walk project. Wilkinson said he’s been asked to find a less expensive route. JPR is handling the engineering and will report back.

Siegel asked who did the Pearl Street parking lot. Wilkinson said JPR Engineering did the engineering but AZ Engineering came in as the winner for the construction contact.

Requests for proposals have been sent out for the Main Street Parking Lot. Wilkinson told the council, he’d like that project done by spring of 2027.

Scherer complained the new way find signs are hard to read.

Musser said he would like a decision about moving forward on the traffic signals by the February meeting.

Wilkinson said he has reached out to other communities regarding software used in getting council packets to council members. He plans on having an update at the February meeting.

The beautification committee is looking at celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. Wilkinson asked if the council would consider shutting down Main Street for a community festival from SR 13 to the community center on Sunday, June 28.

Musser asked about the tech park lights. Mark Aurich, public works director, said he’s tested two different lights and is going to try a third. He also has three quotes to convert the street lights in the tech park to electricity.

In the police report Chief Jim Layne said the department is still accepting applications for a new patrol officer.

Scherer complained about snow on the sidewalks. He reminded residents it’s their responsibility to keep sidewalks clear.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the park department has been busy doing maintenance work around the community center.

Scherer asked about a charity poker tournament serving beer. Jonsson said the nonprofit had to get a permit and provide its own insurance.

Aurich reported cold weather has dominated the public works. He asked to spend $79,998.84 for a new International 550 chassis and $62,267.04 for a dump bed and salt spreader. The council approved both purchases out of the new equipment budget. The old truck will be auctioned off.

The street department has spread in excess of 80 tons of salt this winter. The town has 40-60 tons of salt in storage and took delivery of more Wednesday, Jan. 21.

When North Trace RV Park was approved it was suggested it install a 4 inch main. The town made a deal with the owner and he upgraded the main to an 8-inch. The council approved a rebate of $71,483 which is $75 per linear foot. Aurich told the council when the deal was struck, they were looking at a cost of over $200 per linear foot for the rebate.

The council approved the Turkey Creek Fire Territory spending $4,200 on new bunker gear and $6,500 on equipment for the aerial.

Virginia Cazier, clerk-treasurer, asked if the council would consider extending the sprinkler rate from four to six months. She’s had a number of customers come in requesting the extension.

After some discussion the council decided keep the sprinkler rate from June through September.

Cazier also asked about an ordinance that states if sewer runs in front of a residential property the homeowner still has to pay for sewer. After some discussion Rigdon said he would do some research.

Scherer asked how parking spaces were calculated for apartments after the Syracuse BZA approved reducing the number of required spaces for Urban Oaks Apartments.

Matt Goodnight, who sits on the Syracuse BZA, was in attendance. He explained the ordinance requires four parking spaces per apartment. The Syracuse BZA agreed to reduce the number of parking spaces since most apartments are one and two bedrooms so they would not have four drivers. Urban Oaks also has access to on-street parking as well.