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Council votes to amend water rates to cover debt
by Denise Schoppe
Staff writer
The Marlin Democrat
June 22, 2005
The Marlin City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending current water rates by 97 cents per 1,000 gallons of water used to help raise funds needed to pay $179,647 in Water and Sewer Debt Service by July 1, 2006.
An increase of $5.10 to citizen’s minimum bill was originally under consideration, but it was found that the increase would make the minimum amount paid for water at least $70 for residents.
The 97 cent increase per 1,00 gallons was proposed and at current water usage, City Manager Randall Holly said at the meeting, the city would be only $15,000 shy of the needed amount for payment of the debt. However, he pointed out that it has been a hot yea, and that water usage amounts are hard to predict based on the temperature difference from last year.
The changes in the rates, though, he explained, meant that those that use the water will pay for the water rather than everyone getting charged extra.
Holly recommended the ordinance be considered an emergency, and he pointed out that the rate can be lowered in the future if the city makes enough to cover their debt.
In a related issue, the council unanimously approved $31,000 be used from the Water Rehab Fund to purchase new water meters.
Holly informed the council that around 80% of residential water meters are over 25 years old and have stopped taking an accurate reading of water usage at homes. He said that commercial water meters are typically less than 15 years old. Holly said he felt changing out the meters would bring around a large return in water revenue.
In other action, the council received a report from James Glenn, water treatment plant supervisor, on the 2004 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Glenn answered questions about the city lake and the smell of city water. He said items out of compliance in the report will be put into compliance in the next year or two.
by Denise Schoppe
Staff writer
The Marlin Democrat
June 22, 2005
The Marlin City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending current water rates by 97 cents per 1,000 gallons of water used to help raise funds needed to pay $179,647 in Water and Sewer Debt Service by July 1, 2006.
An increase of $5.10 to citizen’s minimum bill was originally under consideration, but it was found that the increase would make the minimum amount paid for water at least $70 for residents.
The 97 cent increase per 1,00 gallons was proposed and at current water usage, City Manager Randall Holly said at the meeting, the city would be only $15,000 shy of the needed amount for payment of the debt. However, he pointed out that it has been a hot yea, and that water usage amounts are hard to predict based on the temperature difference from last year.
The changes in the rates, though, he explained, meant that those that use the water will pay for the water rather than everyone getting charged extra.
Holly recommended the ordinance be considered an emergency, and he pointed out that the rate can be lowered in the future if the city makes enough to cover their debt.
In a related issue, the council unanimously approved $31,000 be used from the Water Rehab Fund to purchase new water meters.
Holly informed the council that around 80% of residential water meters are over 25 years old and have stopped taking an accurate reading of water usage at homes. He said that commercial water meters are typically less than 15 years old. Holly said he felt changing out the meters would bring around a large return in water revenue.
In other action, the council received a report from James Glenn, water treatment plant supervisor, on the 2004 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Glenn answered questions about the city lake and the smell of city water. He said items out of compliance in the report will be put into compliance in the next year or two.
