By Renee O’Quinn
During the regular meeting of the Baxley City Council on Feb. 26, the council adopted a resolution upon the City Manager Jeff Baxley’s recommendation for the submission of the 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Baxley stated that Mittie Byrd Lane would be the priority, as it is still a dirt road and is in need of water and sewer. The manager also reported that Elizabeth Circle has also been looked at for submission for the CDBG. It is also a dirt street and in need of drainage and street improvements. However Mittie Byrd Lane would be the priority.
Council adopts resolution on applying for CDBG
The manager explained that the water/sewer rates for the city need to be adjusted for inflation annually and are normally adjusted around March 16. The manager and council discussed the consumer price index (CPI) adjustment to water/sewer rates. Manager Baxley presented data and a summary related to water and sewer rates across the state from cities and counties that provide these services for the council to review. Manager Baxley recommended to base the increase on 2.7 percent, which the projected additional annual revenue based on average residential use would be approximately $30,885.00. The proposed schedule was as follows:
Flat Rate for Water (per first two thousand gallons) currently is $10.10. Proposed adjustment rate is $10.50 with a 3.8 percent increase.
Flat Rate Sewer (per first two thousand gallons) currently is $11.10. Proposed adjustment rate is $11.50, a 3.5 percent increase.
Water rate per thousand currently is $3.00. Proposed adjustment rate is $3.05, 1.6 percent increase.
Sewer rate per thousand currently is $3.20. Proposed adjustment rate is $3.25, 1.5 percent increase.
If approved and based on the average residential consumption five thousand gallons, the new rate adjustment will amount to a 2.7 percent increase or $1.10. The projected increase to water and sewer revenue for the city is $30,885.00. Following discussion, Pro Tem Dr. Esco Hall, Jr. made a motion to approve the manager’s recommendation for new rate adjustment listed above at an increase of 2.7 percent or $1.10 based on the average residential consumption of five thousand gallons. Councilman Pat Williams made a second and the motion passed unanimously. The new rate will become effective with the next billing date March 15.
The manager and council held discussions to consider an increase in water tap fees to cover costs. The council reviewed the water tap fee comparisons of the cities of Hazlehurst, Alma, Eastman and Vidalia. The manager made a recommendation to increase water tap fees to at least cover the cost of materials. Councilwoman Betty Livingston made a motion to approve an increase in water tap fees to cover actual cost of materials effective March 1 with current applications not affected. Hall made a second and the motion was approved unanimously.
One new water/sewer discount application that met qualifications was considered and unanimously approved by the council.
City manager report
Jeff Baxley reported that Ronald Burkett invited everyone to the Boys and Girls Club appreciation banquet at 11:30 today (Feb. 26).
He thanked Renee O’Quinn for the great job she does in reporting council meetings in The Baxley News-Banner.
He also reported that he would be participating in Career Day at the Appling County Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 28.
Baxley stated there would be a worker’s compensation supervisor training meeting next week on Tuesday (March 5) at 2:00 p.m.
He reminded everyone to turn in his/her GMA registration forms.
Baxley reported that the city has had many calls concerning water issues since the rain.
Flat Rate for Water (per first two thousand gallons) currently is $10.10. Proposed adjustment rate is $10.50 with a 3.8 percent increase.
Flat Rate Sewer (per first two thousand gallons) currently is $11.10. Proposed adjustment rate is $11.50, a 3.5 percent increase.
Water rate per thousand currently is $3.00. Proposed adjustment rate is $3.05, 1.6 percent increase.
Sewer rate per thousand currently is $3.20. Proposed adjustment rate is $3.25, 1.5 percent increase.
If approved and based on the average residential consumption five thousand gallons, the new rate adjustment will amount to a 2.7 percent increase or $1.10. The projected increase to water and sewer revenue for the city is $30,885.00. Following discussion, Pro Tem Dr. Esco Hall, Jr. made a motion to approve the manager’s recommendation for new rate adjustment listed above at an increase of 2.7 percent or $1.10 based on the average residential consumption of five thousand gallons. Councilman Pat Williams made a second and the motion passed unanimously. The new rate will become effective with the next billing date March 15.
The manager and council held discussions to consider an increase in water tap fees to cover costs. The council reviewed the water tap fee comparisons of the cities of Hazlehurst, Alma, Eastman and Vidalia. The manager made a recommendation to increase water tap fees to at least cover the cost of materials. Councilwoman Betty Livingston made a motion to approve an increase in water tap fees to cover actual cost of materials effective March 1 with current applications not affected. Hall made a second and the motion was approved unanimously.
One new water/sewer discount application that met qualifications was considered and unanimously approved by the council.
City manager report
Jeff Baxley reported that Ronald Burkett invited everyone to the Boys and Girls Club appreciation banquet at 11:30 today (Feb. 26).
He thanked Renee O’Quinn for the great job she does in reporting council meetings in The Baxley News-Banner.
He also reported that he would be participating in Career Day at the Appling County Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 28.
Baxley stated there would be a worker’s compensation supervisor training meeting next week on Tuesday (March 5) at 2:00 p.m.
He reminded everyone to turn in his/her GMA registration forms.
Baxley reported that the city has had many calls concerning water issues since the rain.
Trackbacks
Trackback specific URI for this entry
No Trackbacks