Ronceverte’s Ordinance 2013-05 governing sanitary sewer service rates to all customers had its second reading and public hearing Monday evening at the council meeting.
Mayor David Smith heard two customers remarks on the ordinance: Loretta Young said an increase in fees would be understandable if there were any improvements over the years. She stated the problems seemed continuous. Lewisburg mayor John Manchester, on the other hand, commended the improvements to the system with the plans for the wastewater plant project upgrade. He also remarked that the 19 percent rate increase to the Lewisburg customers of the sewer line was less than what the Ronceverte customers will have when the project is completed.
After hearing the comments from visitors, the council quickly voted to approve the rate increase.
The ordinance states that the current rates, charges and fees for sewer services are not adequate to cover the cost of operations and debt service of the system. In order to protect public health, safety and welfare, the city council of Ronceverte has deemed it necessary to complete a wastewater treatment plant project consisting of replacements, rehabilitation and improvements to the system in order to meet various state requirements.
Phase I (Effective 45 days after the passage of the ordinance)
Rates: (customers with metered water supply)
First 1,000 gallons used per month – $13.08 per 1,000 gals. All over 1,000 gallons used per month – $8.61 per 1,000 gals.
Flat rate charge: (customers with non-metered water supply) Equivalent of 4,500 gallons of water usage – $43.22 per month
Phase II (Effective for all service rendered from the date of substantial completion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project)
Rates: (customers with metered water supply)
First 1,000 gallons used per month – $24.00 per 1,000 gals. All over 1,000 gallons used per month – $15.25 per 1,000 gals.
Flat rate charge: (customers with non-metered water supply) Equivalent to 4,500 gallons of water usage – $77.38 per month
In other business:
• City Administrator Reba Mohler read three resolutions pertaining to grants to be submitted for energy efficiency, brownfield cleanup and a transportation alternative. All will require a twenty percent match from the City.
• Surveys have been circulating around town with questions designed to help City Council develop Ronceverte’s 10-year Comprehensive Plan update. The surveys must be returned to City Hall by Jan. 24 in time for an Open House event on Jan. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ronceverte Volunteer Center next to the post office. All residents are invited to come.
• Mayor Smith announced Super Bowl Sunday will be celebrated at the Cliftord Armory on Feb. 2 starting at 5:30 p.m. Last year’s event proved to be a wild success. Council members hope to top that with this year’s fun-filled day with TVs, food, drinks, prizes and games, complete with comfortable sofas and homey surroundings.
• The Lions Club is holding a raffle to replace the floor of the high school gym. Lots of prizes will be awarded. They are seeking $70,000 for the project which hopefully will be completed by summer.