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Carbondale
City Council
Water rate increase being considered
From staff reports
CARBONDALE—Whether Carbondale raises water rates will be decided
by January, after the city council held a somewhat heated discussion
on the topic Monday night.
After it was noted the last rate increase was in 2007, Carbondale
City Councilman Lee Curtis questioned, “What happens if the
rates don't increase?”
“The city will lose money,” answered Carbondale City
Clerk Sandy Schiffelbein.
Reviewing outlined costs, Carbondale City Councilman Clint Vawter
suggested leaving the minimum rate usage at $16 and raise the rate
per thousand gallons. He said that would help residents on fixed
income that do not use much water.
“You can't single out any one group such as the fixed income
and the working people, some with families that are struggling to
pay their bills," Curtis said. “I am not in favor of
any kind of raise no matter how much the increase would be.”
Curtis also questioned some water plant expense items presented.
Carbondale maintenance supervisor Kevin Richardson said water plant
costs are being cut as much as possible and the city is buying everything
in bulk. He noted chemicals used to treat water have increased in
price and probably will continue to do so.
Schiffelbein was asked if she could compile another rate proposal,
using $16 as a minimum rate with an additional $6 per thousand gallons.
The increase proposal was tabled until January, when the water rate
ordinance is to go into effect.
The council was also notified by Richardson that the city’s
ability to clear roads this winter might be affected by road treatment
supplies.
“We have limited supply of sand and salt for this winter,”
he said. The supply received by the city so far was a 30 percent
mix, which was less than in the past.
It was stated the city office had already received complaints from
the last small storm that came through.
Richardson said street treatment had been done in some areas, however
melting and then freezing caused problems.
“We just don't have the supplies to go over every street in
the city,” he said.
With Schiffelbein’s suggestion of sending letters to residents
to explain the situation, Carbondale City Councilman Daryl Makowski
said the letter should explain that main streets and problem areas
will be treated.
Carbondale City Councilwoman Patty Kreshel suggested, “People
in general will need to be more cautious when traveling our streets.”
The council took no action to approve sending a letter.
In other business, the council:
• voted to close the city office early Dec. 24 and all day
Dec. 25 and 26, for the Christmas holiday.
• allowed city personnel to grant water bill extensions this
month without disconnecting delinquent customers.
• agreed that city attorney Sue DeVoe will meet with Teresa
Tucker, of Carbondale Pet Clinic, concerning an accumulated bill
for boarding stray pets. In the meantime, the bill will be paid.
• received a draft of an application for a Jones Foundation
Grant for the new city pool. Council members are to study the application
before it is submitted.
• noted the library furnace has been repaired.
• were notified by Carbondale Police Chief Adam Marion that
one of the city’s police cars is out of service while its
electrical system is being repaired. Repair of a bad wheel bearing
and axle has been completed. He reported another vehicle will soon
need new tires and repair of the steering column. |
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