September 19, 2025

New Sewer Rates 
Shift Costs to Larger Users

On September 15, 2025 the City Council approved updates to sewer utility rates, effective January 1, 2026. These changes are designed to shift more of the cost burden away from residential customers and toward larger commercial and industrial users who place greater demands on our sewer system. At the same time, the new structure creates a more sustainable way to fund the major infrastructure investments that keep our community running.

What’s Changing?

• New Fixed Fee by Meter Size: Most homes have small 5/8" or 3/4" meters, which will now carry only a modest monthly fixed charge. Larger meters—typical for businesses and industry—will pay proportionally more.

• Slight Adjustment to Volume Charge: The sewer usage rate is rising slightly, from $5.60 to $5.80 per 100 cubic feet.

• “Equivalent Meter” Methodology: Costs will now scale with meter size, ensuring larger users contribute fairly for the capacity they require.

• Category B Customers: Industrial customers with high-strength wastewater, such as food processors, will be billed under a specialized rate structure that reflects the added treatment costs.

Why it Matters?

These updates make the system fairer by keeping most residential increases modest—about $3 to $5 per month—while asking larger users to shoulder more of the cost. The added revenue will sustainably fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer main replacements, and lift station improvements, protecting public health and sewer system reliability.

By acting now and not kicking the can down the road, the City avoids deeper financial shortfalls in the future and builds a sewer utility that will remain strong for years to come.

Keeping Two Rivers Safe: 
Hazardous Trees Come Down

This fall, you’ll see crews out in our parks, cemeteries, and along neighborhood streets taking down dead and dangerous trees. It’s all part of a City initiative to make our community safer and reduce risks before winter storms arrive

The City Council took action this week with a budget amendment that shifts $40,000 into the Urban Forestry Fund. These dollars come from remaining funds tied to the currently vacant Community Development Director position, so no ongoing services are impacted. The move makes it possible to bring in outside help and speed up tree removals.

By acting now, we’re protecting people, reducing liability, and making our public spaces safer. Think of it as a fall clean-up on a larger scale: clearing hazards, opening space for healthier growth, and making sure our parks and streets stay beautiful and safe for everyone.

St. Marks Convent 
Redevelopment Moves Forward

At the September 15, 2025 City Council meeting, the City held a public hearing on the proposed development amendment for the former convent at St. Marks Church, 1110 Victory Street. The Council voted to advance the project. 

A local licensed developer is now moving forward with his plan to preserve the historic convent exterior while upgrading the interior of the building into four residential units. Once leased, a second phase will add a new four-unit building on the adjacent corner lot, bringing the total to eight rental units.

This means the convent, which has been vacant for years, can soon be transformed into much-needed new housing while keeping its historic character.

This week, the City Council approved a new contract with the Two Rivers Police Department union—an agreement that keeps our officers supported and our community protected.

This union contract focuses on what matters most: giving our officers the tools and flexibility they need to serve effectively while keeping City finances on solid ground. Officers will now have more scheduling options for required health and wellness checks, making it easier to stay fit for duty. Financially, the agreement is projected to increase 2026 patrol wages by 3.08%, mainly through step increases for officers that keep us competitive with comparable departments. 

For residents, this means a police force that is well-supported, fairly compensated, and focused on the job of keeping neighborhoods safe. By investing in the people who protect and serve, Two Rivers is investing in peace of mind for every family, every street, and every corner of our city.

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