City ponders increase in fees
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By Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — Because of increases in costs related to providing Trinity with water, sewer and solid waste disposal services, the Trinity City Council explored the possibility of raising rates.
However, at the regular meeting on Thursday, Council Member Bubba Smith made it clear at the beginning of the discussion he was not in favor of any rate increases.
“We have a lot of people that a $2-$3 increase will affect,” he said. “I understand about inflation, but I don’t want to raise the rate at all until you can show me it’s needed.”
Council Member Scott Womack said that the budget for this year, which the council approved, included a modest rate increase.
Council Member Clegg DeWalt said it would be a good idea to look at a profit and loss statement, even though as a board they knew a rate hike was in the future.
Smith sought an answer for the actual figure the rates would be raised, but there was no information. Regardless, he did say that he understands that the costs need to be covered by rates but questioned if rates for senior citizens could be frozen.
The item was tabled until figures can be obtained.
In a related matter, the council adopted a policy that for any new construction, or any major plumbing done to existing homes, a water shutoff valve must be installed on the customer side of the water service.
In other business, the council:
•awarded a construction contract for water system improvements to Duplichain Contractors;
•denied a request from Rodna Smith with Back Porch Bar & Grill to extend city sewer service to their business;
•tabled a discussion about adopting a portion of road to provide egress to property on Avanna Street for more information; and
•awarded a contract for servicing city vehicles to Trinity Muffler.
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