An ordinance adjusting the water rates for the City of Gallatin, which will raise the average water bill for 5,000 gallons use by $12.60, received a first reading during the meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Nov. 10.
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One of the final requirements from the United States Department of Agriculture before the city can put its water treatment plant project out to bids is to have an adequate (USDA approved) rate structure in place, according to City Administrator Zac Johnson.
USDA has determined the city’s rates must be $27.50 for the first 1,000 gallons and $6.50 per 1,000 gallons after that. This make the average 5,000 gallon user’s bill go from $34.40 under the current rates to $47.00 with the new rates.
“This is a dramatic increase and unfortunately we don’t have a choice,” said Mr. Johnson. “It is required by USDA.”
The second reading and approval of the ordinance regarding the water rates will take place during the next meeting of the aldermen on Nov. 24.
Mr. Johnson was authorized to sign and execute the necessary documents with People Service Inc for operation, maintenance, and management of the wastewater treatment facility.
Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity from Oct. 27 to Nov. 10 with the following reports taken and tickets given: 3-Business alarms; 1-Trespassing; 1-Loitering and panhandling; 1-Suspicious activity; 1-Running stop sign complaint; 1-Assist elderly; 1-Vehicle unlock; 1-Unattended child; 1-Broken down mail truck; 1-Unoccupied van; 1-Complaint on threat made;1-Pitbull in city limits; 1-Report on lost title; 1-Assist evicting renter at Sandman Motel; 1-Report of lights on at unoccupied home. There are five dogs in the pound. Chief Richards discussed how smoothly Halloween went this year.
The Transaction Report for October was approved.
Bills were paid in the amount of $131,348.59.
Discussion was held on the Financial Review and the 2015 Budget.
City Administrator Johnson stated that Christmas lights will be going up early because of the “Christmas Around the Square” event on Nov. 22.
Comments made regarding street lights that are not working.
Mayor Ballew encourages everybody to participate and help in any way with the “Christmas Around the Square” event.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the City of Gallatin held on Monday, Nov. 10, at City Hall. Present: Mayor Barb Ballew, President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Steve Evans, Carol Walker, City Administrator Zac Johnson, City Clerk Autumn Acree, Police Chief Mark Richards, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett. Aldermen Dan Lockridge was absent.