MOUNT VERNON – The City of Mount Vernon has unveiled an educational presentation on wastewater systems entitled "Our Life Sustaining Systems; Wastewater," following previous public requests, a recent press release has reported.

Officials hope the presentation will give residents a deeper understanding of the city's sanitary sewer systems, water distribution mains and storm systems. The knowledge surrounding Mount Vernon's wastewater systems is presented by individuals who work with them on a daily basis. 

In addition to educating the public in general, Mount Vernon hopes the presentation will answer pertinent questions regarding rising utility costs. 

"We all want to be able to flush our toilets and take showers knowing that our wastewater is treated for the safe removal of residuals, with clean water released into the Kokosing River," Mayor Matt Starr said in the release. "No one wants to see rates increase, but there is an urgency about the matter as well as a long-term commitment to future generations of the city." 

There are three reasons for the rising cost in utilities: mandated federal processes to remove phosphorous, dated infrastructure and rising fixed costs on chemicals and their transportation. The City has said that without an increase in utility rates it will not be able to meet all of the fiscal requirements associated with federal regulations, as well as the need to rebuild aged portions of the city's wastewater infrastructure. 

In its wastewater presentation, the City breaks down the average utility bill to give further clarification as to where residents' hard-earned money goes. Approximately 28% of the bill goes to debt, 37% to wages and benefits, and an additional 16% to capital improvements. Those figures exclude any miscellaneous costs. 

Looking at capital improvements, the City explains that significant portions of its wastewater systems were built decades ago and have been running nonstop, 24/7, seven days a week. 

"Parts of our wastewater treatment plant were installed in the 1950s," the presentation said. "Most of the plant has been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1981. Older parts of the plant are our focus and in need of replacement or upgrade."

According to the presentation, this leaves the residents of Mount Vernon with two choices: either hold off on making essential changes for today's gain; or pay the expense up front in order to provide a better, healthier water system. 

The city council has agreed to postpone any rate determinations until Jan. 25, 2021. 

Residents can access the presentation with this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/4gh41wS73Dg.