Why are chickens not allowed in the City of Linn Valley?

Answer: No, per Ordinance 83. There have been several requests to the City Council to review and consider chickens. In December 2020, the City Council upon advice from the City Attorney agreed to retain the current Ordinance with no changes. The decision is based on several factors, first an Environmental Study would have to be completed with estimated cost of 20K. Secondly the Environmental Study would likely recommend against allowing chickens due to potential wastewater runoff especially into the main lake that is one source of drinking water in Linn Valley. The City received Federal grant money for the for the low-pressure grinder pump system to protect the lakes and future (water and wastewater) projects are dependent on obtaining additional Federal grant money to support the growth of Linn Valley.

[Why are rates for sewer going up?

Recently the City announced an increase of $12 per month for customers on the low-pressure sewer system. The decision was not made easily or lightly by the City Council. The rate increase is due to several factors. The City is responsible for repairing and replacing these systems. The established rate has not increased from original installation in 2013. Grinder pumps have an average life span of 8-10 years and over the last 7 years cost of materials and cost of labor continued to increase. Repairing a pump averages $500 and the cost of a new pump is $2005. The City operates and maintains the lagoons with the cost being shared by customers on the low-pressure system and on hold and haul. The rate increase is intended to allow the City to have monies to cover these expenses instead of risking additional cost if money is borrowed. The City Council has taken this step to ensure Linn Valley Residents and Property Owners continue to have sewer service today and into the future.