The cost of living in White Hall is increasing, but Mayor Noel Foster said the municipality is simply “catching up with the times.”
Upon Foster’s recommendation, the city council unanimously approved a water rate increase during its monthly meeting Monday night. The new rate schedule includes increases of $1 for the first 1,000 gallons, 25 cents for each additional 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons total, and 34 cents for each 1,000 gallons above 10,000 gallons. The new fee totals will be $5.50, $2.20 and $1.74 per category, respectively.
The ordinance outlining the hike contained an emergency clause and thus became effective immediately.
“I realize that expenses on just about everything are going up daily, but this COLA (cost of living adjustment) was absolutely necessary for us to stay up with our financial realities,” said Foster.
“Our water rates are still low compared to many, and for a long time we had the lowest ones around. But things change and we have to do what we have to do to stay in business.
“Nobody likes bigger bills, but they’re a fact of life that never ends.”
In other business, the council approved an annexation and commercial zoning of a 5.3-acre site along Sheridan Road, and authorized Foster to negotiate a water service contract with the United Water firm.
The cost of living in White Hall is increasing, but Mayor Noel Foster said the municipality is simply “catching up with the times.”
Upon Foster’s recommendation, the city council unanimously approved a water rate increase during its monthly meeting Monday night. The new rate schedule includes increases of $1 for the first 1,000 gallons, 25 cents for each additional 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons total, and 34 cents for each 1,000 gallons above 10,000 gallons. The new fee totals will be $5.50, $2.20 and $1.74 per category, respectively.
The ordinance outlining the hike contained an emergency clause and thus became effective immediately.
“I realize that expenses on just about everything are going up daily, but this COLA (cost of living adjustment) was absolutely necessary for us to stay up with our financial realities,” said Foster.
“Our water rates are still low compared to many, and for a long time we had the lowest ones around. But things change and we have to do what we have to do to stay in business.
“Nobody likes bigger bills, but they’re a fact of life that never ends.”
In other business, the council approved an annexation and commercial zoning of a 5.3-acre site along Sheridan Road, and authorized Foster to negotiate a water service contract with the United Water firm.
