Mayor John Douglas explained the reason for the rate hike was because the town's water supplier, LMU, has increased their rates and the town must keep up.
The only thing that changes is the 0-3,000 gallon per month minimum use, which goes from $15 per month to $18 per month.
It was estimated that the rate would need to be somewhere between $18 to $20 per month, but town attorney Robert Estep recommended the board set it at $18. They may decide to amended the rate next month if it is needed.
In other related matters, Alderman Joan Webb reported that water loss for the gap is creeping up again and wastewater treatment plant operator Jesse Thompson said while the plant is using the lowest amount of water ever recorded, it appears the town is losing more.
“The only thing I can figure out is that the residents are not using as much water,” said Thompson. “It could be something wrong with the meters.”
Thompson said they would start checking the meters for possible leaks. He also said he had spoken with the administrator of the treatment plant's grant and that it would be known by the end of February whether more equipment could be purchased.
“We are having a lot of problems with the Tiprell pump stations and I suggest that be the first thing we take care of,” he said.
Mayor Douglas suggested Thomspon attend the next work study session, which has been slated for Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. to discuss improvements.
Alderman John Adams reported that the Cumberland Gap Fire Department has finished the smoke detector program. Each home received at least one free smoke detector through the program.
In other action, the board voted to reject two backhoe bids, one from Volvo and another from John Deere, and re-bid them. The bids received were both over the amount budgeted.
The board also tabled the natural gas agreement and any decision on the building inspector being a contractor or employee until next month.
Post a Comment
