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Carbondale
City Council
Water rate decision tabled, again
CARBONDALE—To raise water rates or not to raise water rates?
That was the question discussed by the Carbondale City Council Monday
night.
Carbondale City Clerk Sandy Schiffelbein presented calculations
on leaving rates as they now are – $16 for the first 1,000
gallons and $5.50 each additional 1,000 gallons – compared
with an increase using $16 for the first 1,000 gallons and $6.50
for each additional 1,000 gallons.
She also included cash flow figures that showed chemical costs had
increased around $10,000 along with an increase in utilities.
Schiffelbein said she had been in contact with Kansas Department
of Health and Environment, which recommended rates should be raised
to keep up with the increased costs.
Councilman Lee Curtis suggested that the city not put as much in
the reserve fund and leave the rates as they are now.
Schiffelbein said she was concerned about the city getting into
a financial predicament, such as in 2004, if the city did not keep
funds in reserve. After more discussion, it was decided the matter
could be tabled until the Jan. 18 meeting.
In other water discussion, council gave the authority to Carbondale
Mayor Ruth Towne to sign an ordinance authorizing a fifth increase
in the water project loan.
Now that the water project is completed, Schiffelbein asked permission
from the council to pay contractors their final payments. Curtis’
motion to make the payments, seconded by council member Patti Kreshel,
was approved.
In other discussion, the council voted to send Schiffelbein to a
municipal finance course to be held Jan. 9 in Ottawa; the cost is
$75. The council also agreed to send city treasurer Kim Reynolds
to a seminar that teaches participants how to collect past due court
and water bills through the state. There is no cost for the seminar.
The council set Feb. 15 as the date for publishing bids for a sewer
project, provided the final contract is signed between the landowner
and Dollar General Store.
The council was notified of a dinner to be hosted by Osage County
Economic Development to be held Feb. 4 at Lyndon Community Center. |
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