PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
INCREASES … The Pioneer Finance Commission discusses pricing changes among the utility services offered throughout Pioneer.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Pioneer Finance Commission met on Monday, September 8, at 6:35 p.m. to discuss pricing evaluations among utility affairs in the village.
In attendance were Administrator Anthony Burnett, Solicitor Tom Thompson, Ed Kidston, Joe Nickloy, Jeana Gruber, Alan Fiser, and Ben Fiser.
Among the many services Pioneer offers its residents, electrical and sewer tap fees, water fees, building permit costs, garbage services, and various cemetery fees were discussed during the meeting. Burnett noted that due to inflation and rising service costs, many financial figures were outdated and needed to be updated.
Electrical hook-ups and underground fees for new construction were previously at $250 per first 60 feet, with an additional $3 per foot necessary.
A meter base was also supplied for free. Burnett moved to remove the free, supplied meter base and instead require residents to buy a 100 to 200-amp meter base disconnect utility. These range anywhere from $250 to $280.
Residents will also be charged the material costs for underground services. This is to prevent the village from taking a further loss, as many construction costs outweigh the previous $250 required balance.
Burnett noted that village labor will continue to be free for residents. “We will be breaking even. Our labor costs will come back to us in time. We gain a life-long customer instead,” he commented.
Sewer tap fees were formerly $500 per new tap, with $50 per pre-existing. Burnett moved to do away with the old requirements and change to a material-based cost for residents.
A $100 minimum charge will be put into place for all sewer taps, including fitting, piping, and other means necessary for installation.
“As construction prices go up or down, we just pass it on to the customer instead of taking a loss for the village,” Burnett continued. “We’re not making money – but now we’re not losing money either.”
Water fees previously included a one-inch tap for $500, a two-inch tap for $600, and an inspection fee of $50. Much like the electrical and sewer tap fees, the commission moved to instead make it a material-based cost, which will be different for each project submitted. A $100 minimum was also put into place.
Building permits for Pioneer were also adjusted. Previously, a $10 building permit fee was required for all applications. “I don’t think the $10 covers the administrative time it takes to cover these building permits,” Burnett explained.
Footer structures, such as new home construction, will now be charged a $100 building permit. All other structures will have a $50 building permit charge, such as decks and fences.
Garbage services were also changed. Former rates included: $10 for single seniors and $14 for family pick-ups.
Burnett moved to change garbage pick-up rates to a flat rate of $15 for all Pioneer residents. For a second trash can, locals can apply to the office for an additional charge of $15 per trash can.
It was noted that single senior citizens, with proof of residency, can apply for a discounted rate of $12. All applications need to be submitted to the Pioneer Village Office for approval.
Cemetery fees were also updated to reflect current costs and inflation. The resident burial lot costs were changed from $150 to $250.
Non-resident burial fees were changed from $450 to $500. “The cost of maintaining the cemetery has not gone down, and it’s quite a project to bear,” mentioned Burnett.
Grave openings were updated for residents from $150 to $250. Non-resident pricing changed from $300 to $450.
Locals of Pioneer have to maintain residency for a contingent 15 years to apply for resident pricing. Cremations will now be looped in with the grave opening costs and become one total service offered. Foundations for headstones are now offered at $0.50 per square inch.
Burnett reminded the commission that many of the prices had not been updated since 2016 and were far outdated with today’s cost of labor, construction, and materials.
The Financial Commission of Pioneer adjourned at 6:59 p.m. with no further discussion. The new pricing will be filed into an official amendment ordinance and will be voted on in the next Pioneer Council session.