Water rates to increase $1/1000
By Melinda L. Lucas
Water rates for City of Albany customers were raised $1 per 1,000 gallons during a meeting on Monday, July 12 at the Aztec.
City manager Billy Holson also reported that the city will save more than $1 million with the acceptance of the new bonds for the water plant.
Water Rate Increase
The water rate increase puts the monthly minimum charge at $57.77 rather than $53.77, based on 2,000 gallons minimum usage for both water and sewer, a $4 increase.
Holson explained that the extra revenues from the rate bump would go into capital outlay, and can be used for street improvement, line replacement, etc.
He also noted that the cheapest rates in this area right now is $81 per 1,000 gallons, so even after an increase, Albany’s rates are well below the average.
“Raising the minimum a few dollars right now and a little at a time over the years keeps us from being forced with raising it $10 or more at one time in the future,” said mayor Susan Montgomery.
Holson projects that the increase would bring in an additional $100,000 per year.
The motion to enact the $1 per 1,000 gallon increase was made by Austin Sherwood, seconded by Don Taggart, and approved by all.
The increase will go into effect with the September billing, said Holson.
Paving Project
Holson reported this week that city crews are working to lay asphalt on some of the streets that need it the worst. However, for several reasons, they are avoiding other areas that are also in bad shape.
“We’re skipping around because we’re targeting streets where water lines are fairly new or they are buried somewhere besides under the roadway,” Holson said. “I know it’s hard for people to understand why we’re not doing some really bad streets, but it would just be a waste of money if we have to tear it up in a few years to put in new lines.”
In addition, Gordon and Matthews streets were approved in a $400,000 match grant, but Holson is not sure when that work will get underway.
Also, Holson plans to use Rescue Plan funding for infrastructure, but engineering is required for that process.
