Published: February 08, 2008 10:32 pm      

Holm details recent D.C. trip

CLINTON — Mayor Rodger Holm said he and other city officials had a very nice visit with local legislators in Washington, D.C., last week.

Holm, Water Pollution Control Superintendent Gary Schellhorn and Stanley Consultants Engineer Jay Brady traveled to Wash-ington, D.C., on Jan. 30. Despite travel delays and hotel issues upon arrival, Holm said he thinks the trip may have been worthwhile. He stated he hopes the city of Clinton may see some federal funding as a result of the lobbying effort.

Holm said the group had four great interviews with Reps. Bruce Braley and Tom Latham and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin while visiting the Congressional offices.

Holm said the meetings were scheduled for approximately 15 minutes, but all four meetings ran longer, lasting from a half hour to 45 minutes each.

He said the main issue discussed during the visit was unfunded mandates from the Environmental Protection Agency, such as the sewer separation policy which Holm said “is hurting citizens of Clinton very much financially.” He said the mandate is forcing the city to incorporate rate increases to cover the costs of sewer improvement projects.

“We’re looking at a $30 million to $35 million treatment plant and $30 million in sewer repairs over 20 years,” Holm noted. “Clinton used to have one of the lowest (sewer) rates in Iowa. Now, we’re one of the highest.”

He said the city currently is in the fourth year of a five-year rate hike, causing increases he is concerned will affect many citizens’ ability to afford to stay in their homes.

“It could be economically devastating to some people on a fixed income,” he said.

Holm remarked he frequently hears from citizens and business owners who are concerned about the rising costs. He said one business owner reported a hike in their sewer bill from $3,000 per month to $25,000 per month. Holm added that business retention and attraction is being harmed by the cost increases.

“City government realizes this is difficult for everyone, but there is nothing we can do because the EPA mandates it,” said Holm.

Holm said Schellhorn and Brady explained the technical points of the issue, while he detailed some of the economic issues involved and the logic behind why legislators should lend support to the city.

“If the EPA cannot help fund their mandates, then they at least could back off on the timetable it is to be completed until funding is made available,” he said.

Holm said he was very happy Schellhorn and Brady were able to attend the sessions with local legislators.

“These guys know exactly what they’re doing and they have worked very hard to get these things done,” said Holm.

He commented that the group tried to impress the importance of the 28E Agreement between Clinton and Camanche to establish a joint wastewater treatment plant.

He said city officials will not know the potential results of their efforts until October or November.