STANDARD EXAMINER MONDAY 12.1.2014 Weber sewer fees called unfair South Weber councilman challenges way cities are assessed; Ogden attorney defends formula Standard-Examiner file photo Clarifier ponds are empty at the Central Weber Wastewater Treatment Plant in Marriott-, Slaterville in May 2012. South Weber residents currently pay $17.12 per month to the district for sewer services. Councilman Michael Poff says the rate the city is charged is unfair. By BRYON SAXTON Standard-Examiner staff SOUTH WEBER — South Weber City Councilman Michael Poff has taken issue with the formula used by the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District when assessing its monthly user fees, saying it is more of a tax because it takes into account home values. Ogden City Assistant Attorney Mark Stratford, representing the sewer district, defends the formula that goes into determining district household fees, saying what South Weber residents are being billed is fair. Last week, the South Weber City Council invited sewer district officials to its regular council meeting to discuss the issue. No action was taken on the matter, and before the two sides had finished with what they had to say, it appeared as if Poff and Stratford had agreed to disagree. South Weber residents currently pay $17.12 per month to the district for sewer services. Poff said what South Weber residents are being assessed is a tax, not a fee, because the assessment takes into account home values, in addition to city population. Because the fee is partially based on property values, South Weber residents are having to pay more for the service because property values are See SEWER, Page 8A