Rate is on rise (11/25/2008)

DUNKIRK - Bah! Humbug.

After the Christmas holiday season is over, water rates will be increasing in Dunkirk.

City council members unanimously approved a 19 percent rate hike Monday night to keep pace with operating expenses and allow funds to be put aside for future improvements in the system.

For an average residential water user who currently pays $25 a month for 533 cubic feet of water in a month, the 19 percent hike will increase that amount by $4.75 to $29.75.

City clerk-treasurer Jane Kesler and city attorney William Hinkle said the new rates will go into effect for either the January or February billing cycle, depending on bookkeeping and computer programming issues.

A public hearing was held on the issue Monday night prior to the council vote. About 30 persons were in attendance with most of them voicing concerns about the quality of city water and the need to make improvements.

Several residents commented about the older sections of water pipes in the city where main breaks have become commonplace. Those lines need to be replaced with new pipes, not just patched over and over again, they said.

"I think it's time that the city should bite the bullet," commented John Ireland, who lives at the corner of Moore Avenue and Broad Street.

City crews are frequently repairing leaks along Moore Avenue, Ireland said. "You can't hardly go a week without having a water main break," Ireland said, urging that the city concentrate more on preventative maintenance and replace some of the older water.

"If it costs you a little extra, do the job right," Ireland told city council members.

Judy Garr, council member in charge of the water department, explained that city officials are currently preparing a grant application for state funds to make renovations at the water plant and also replace some of the worn-out water mains, including those along Moore Avenue.

The grant request will total $500,000, Garr said, pointing out that more funds from loans, restructuring of bonds and possibly an additional water rate hike in the future will be needed to cover overall project costs.

Following the public hearing, in addition to approving the water rate hike ordinance, council members adopted four other ordinances, as recommended by Hinkle and the city's financial consultants, H.J. Umbaugh and Associates, Indianapolis.

These ordinances are designed to pave the way for restructuring current bond payments to obtain lower interest rates as well as secure some loan funds to help make water system improvements possible, Hinkle said.

"This is the first step in authorizing funds to be made available for necessary improvements," Hinkle explained.

In other business at Monday night's meeting, council members:

•Unanimously approved the appointment of Rodney Jackson to fill a vacancy on the Dunkirk Library Board.

•Agreed to hire Dunkirk wastewater treatment plant employee Steve Curts to be the new caretaker for Dunkirk City Park, allowing him to live in the city-owned house in the park.

•Heard a report from Tom Johnson, councilman in charge of the parks and recreation department, that work is under way to put up holiday decorations in the park.

Johnson said that anyone who wants to donate decorations, lights or money to the cause could contact him or drop them off at the city office. Johnson also noted that the holiday lights in the park will not be activated on nights when there is rain or freezing rain.[[In-content Ad]]