Sewer rates are expected to increase in Clark Township within the next few weeks. A special meeting to discuss a report, recommendations, and an action plan for the financing and future sustainability of the township sewer system will be held at the Clark Township Community Center in Cedarville Thursday, August 28, at 7 p.m.

No action to increase rates is expected to be taken at the meeting, although the township board of trustees likely will act on the forthcoming rate hike recommendation at its Thursday, September 18 meeting.

User fees, say board members, are not keeping pace with expenses for sewer operation and maintenance.

The Clark Township Board of Trustees and the Sewer Advisory Board are holding the meeting and encourage the public to attend. A question and answer period is planned.

"It is very important to this board," said Supervisor Linda Hudson, "that this whole process be open, transparent, and understandable to the community."

The township board hired professional financial analyst Tom Traciak of ACI Finance of Mason last fall. During Thursday's meeting, Mr. Traciak will provide a performance review of items including debt service, capital reserve, and planning for the replacement fund of the sewer system.

"This is a prudent thing for communities to do periodically," said Mrs. Hudson.

An analysis of the sewer fund and a rate study will be the focus of his presentation. The report will address rate fees needed to cover the cost of the outstanding debt service, meet replacement reserve funding requirements, and provide provisions needed for future capital improvements. Also, he will offer a rate level review and a proposed rate increase to meet funding needs as part of his recommendations.

Last year, the Sewer Advisory Board recommended an increase in quarterly sewer rates of $6 for every REU (residential equivalency unit), to $46 from $40. The recommendation was adopted by the township board and that increase went into effect last year. The increase was needed, reasoned the board then, because rates had not kept up with inflation since the system was installed in 1972. After that increase, a letter was sent to users last year advising them that future rate increases were likely.

Sitting on the Sewer Advisory Board are Chair Norm Perkins, Sandy Sherlund, Keith Kester, Steve Autore, and Mrs. Hudson serves as the township board liaison.