Hiked water rates may become part of next billing period

By: Jessica Youngs/ City Editor

Posted: 3/2/04

A proposed increase in water and sewage rates could take effect for the next billing period if the Charleston City Council moves to pass an ordinance amending the rates at its meeting tonight.

Tonight's meeting will be the second look at the ordinance that was placed on file for public inspection two weeks ago, said City Manager Scott Smith who is recommending a 3.2 percent increase per 1,000 gallons of water used.

The council will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers located at 520 Jackson Ave.

According to the ordinance, current Charleston residents' water usage is metered at $7.11 for every 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons. With the proposed increase, residents would pay $7.34 for every 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons.

After 10,000 gallons of use, the old rate of $6.85 could be increased to $7.07 per gallon.

The university pays a slightly smaller rate per 1,000 gallons.

In other business, Smith said he is recommending that the council table an ordinance amending amusement licenses for coin-operated machines.

The ordinance, which was placed on file for public inspection at the last council meeting on Feb. 2, received numerous inquires and a letter, Smith said.

He said he is recommending the council table the ordinance until a public hearing can be conducted in April.

Other items to be discussed include:

- A resolution abating Thea property tax levy for general obligation bonds for the water treatment plant.

- An ordinance previously placed on file for public inspection amending garbage licenses for scavenger services within the city to $100 for a license and $50 per vehicle.

- An ordinance amending Ordinance Title III, Chapter 8 raising the license cost for mobile home parks from $25 to $50. Smith said tonight's ordinance has been modified since the last council meeting which recommended changing the $25 per park license fee to a $10 per lot fee.

- A resolution authorizing the extension of an agreement with ABM Farms to farm the Walden Tract adjacent to the waste water treatment plan for the amount of $33,000.

- A resolution requesting street closure on Sixth Street from Jackson and Monroe avenues and on Monroe Avenue from Sixth to Seventh streets for the Gregg Toland Day Festival on Sep. 25.

- A bid award for a three-year mowing contract with Maddison Landscaping Lawn services for $98,895.69.

- An ordinance providing for sensible rehabilitation within the Tax Increment Financing District for the sidewalk area around the courthouse on the Square.