CALCULATIONS MAY CUT SOME SEWER CHARGES.

Byline: Deborah Sullivan Staff Writer

Following complaints of excessive sewage fees, the City Council voted Friday to change the way wastewater charges are calculated to more accurately reflect residents' actual usage.

The policy shift will benefit new customers and those who install ultra-low-flow toilets.

``It's a lower sewer service charge,'' said Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, who until this month chaired the council committee that recommended the changes. ``If you can show that less of your water is going into sewers than the median rate, you can have your rate calculated based on lower usage and pay a lower fee.''

According to the old formula, new utility customers were charged an average citywide rate based on an estimate of three residents per household. They were eligible for lower billing only after a home's wastewater flow was verified, usually many months later.

Under the policy approved Friday, new customers become eligible for a lower bill by certifying there are fewer than three occupants or that they have an ultra-low-flush toilet. In either case, a home would produce a less-than-average sewage flow and could have a lower bill immediately.

Ana Giagni, financial manager for the city wastewater program, said she didn't know how many customers would benefit from the new rules, but said the department expects the change to affect few customers and to cost the city $100,000.