1. A capacity fee, which is the customer's share of costs for wastewater treatment plants and associated major system facilities.


All new customers that connect to the County's central sewer system pay this fee. The current capacity fee is $2,031 per single-family residential home. Customers may pay the fee up-front or finance this amount through the County for up to 20 years at an annual interest rate of 3%. If paid over time, the fee will be billed monthly. (See Footnote 2) There will be a one-time, $11.41 fee paid to the Clerk of Court related to financing the capacity fee.


2. Sewer Deferred Standby Fee
   
   $8.28 per month from February 2004 until date of application for service. This fee is paid in full at the time application for service is completed.
   
   
3. A non-ad valorem assessment, which is based on a portion of the costs the County incurs during the construction of the collection system.


The non-ad valorem assessment is approximately $165 per year for 20 years per single-family residential home. This assessment starts with the year that central sewer service is made available to the property. The assessment will appear on the property tax bill each year. This assessment also may be paid up front for $2,345. (See Footnote 4)


4. The on-lot expense for abandoning the customer's septic system and connecting the home to the central sewer system.


The property owner pays this cost directly to the plumber he or she hires to perform the work. (See "A Word About On-Lot Work".) This cost will vary depending on several factors, such as, how many septic tanks are located on the property, the location of the service lateral in relation to the new sewer, and the amount of restoration work that has to be done after the pipe is installed.  Property owners are encouraged to seek estimates from licensed plumbers.


5. A rate surcharge billed on the monthly bill at $19 per month.


This fee is subject to change depending on the final construction costs and amount of grants received. The $19 is the maximum amount that will be billed for up to 20 years.


6. A monthly wastewater service bill based on water use.


The average water use of a single-family home is 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per month, which translates to a wastewater service charge of $34 to $49 per month. For customers using wells for drinking water, the flat fee for wastewater service is approximately $44 per month. (See Footnote 3)

Expenses are based on 2004 rates. See 2004 Rates for more information.

Information is subject to change.