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Wednesday, 12 August 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
NEW KNOXVILLE — New Knoxville Village Councilors approved the first reading of a measure to increase village water and sewer rates at the monthly meeting Tuesday night.
“We conducted a rate study to make sure the rate we put into place was fair and equitable,” Village Administrator Jeff Eschmeyer said. “Our revenues are falling short, so we will be getting revenue.”
Eschmeyer acknowledged the timing is not perfect for the increase in the rates.
“We also know it’s not the best time for an increase, but it will help us maintain services and the system better,” Eschmeyer said.
In addition to the operating costs, Eschmeyer said there is another issue contributing to the need of the increase.
“We have corrosion in some of our copper piping, that is not helping our situation, and we will try to find the most economical solution,” he said.
The proposed increase is $5.94 per month for water and $.78 per month for sewer for the average residential user.
The village worked with USDA RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Program) to determine the correct increase through the rate study. Village councilors also approved the advertising for the farmland for rent by the village.
“The village owns farmland we rent out to local farmers on a three-year contract,” Eschmeyer said. “The contract is up at the end of this growing season.”
The land includes parcels in the industrial park and south of the industrial park. Beer sales were also approved Tuesday night for the first ever Firemen’s Picnic to be held in October.
The picnic will start at 3 p.m. Oct. 17.
In other business, councilors approved:
• A resolution for then and now P.O. for $6,779.25 for June and July health care premium.
• A resolution for then and now P.O. for $96,802 for Main Street Storm Sewer project.
• A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor.
• A resolution accepting the alternate plan for distribution of Local Government Fund and Local Government Revenue Assistance from the county auditor.
• An ordinance for appropriations and amendments and declaring it an emergency.
• A lot split request by Henry Lageman and declared it an emergency.
Councilors moved into executive session to talk about personnel and property. No action was taken when they reconvened.
The next regular council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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