Bloomington wants to examine its sewer and storm water fee structure. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Horia Varlan)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington is preparing to vote on a contract for a study of the city's sewer and storm water fees.

It's been six years since Bloomington carried out this type of study, according to city manager David Hales. He said the study will take five to six months.

"The consultant will work both with our staff and the city council to look at our current financial needs, what is it costing to operate the day-to-day maintenance of these systems," said Hales. "As well as what are the identified deferred capital needs."

The proposed contract is with Raftelis Financial Consultants for $76,970.

"One thing that the consultant will help us with is the developing of how can we, through rates and fees, pay for some of the priority needs identified in the master plan," Hales said.

The Sewage and Storm Water Master Plan was approved in 2014. Hales added given the capital needs of the sewer and storm water systems it's past time to do this type of study.

"It's a critical but a good practice for cities that have these so-called enterprise funds, or business units, to look at these rates approximately every three to five year period," he said.

The city council will vote on the proposed contract Monday night.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].