By Joyell Nevins
Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed on 11-11-11
WEST MILTON – Water rates have officially been increased, but now residents can pay with their credit card if they so choose.
At Monday’s meeting, council approved the second reading of the water rate increase ordinance. The water service charge went from $6.26 to $7.50, and a consumption charge of $4.51 to $5.45 per 1,000 gallons. This takes the minimum fee from $10.77 to $12.95 per 1,000 gallons of water. The increased rate goes into effect this December.
Council and village staff have said in workshops that the increase is a necessary evil due to the increase in Troy rates, where West Milton water comes from. Back in December 2003, West Milton signed a 20-year contract with Troy. There was no cap. Rates are set in three-year increments, and have increased an average of 9-10 percent each year (the next increase comes in 2013).
Though distribution costs from Troy have continued to increase in recent years, West Milton’s rates to residents have not. Currently, about 65 percent of the water revenue goes to Troy.
Interim Municipal Manager Ben Herron also noted that the village is now able to accept Master Card, American Express, and Discover for water bills. They are hoping to accept Visa by the end of the year.
Cards can be taken online now, and will have a space for payment in the next set of bills. There is a $2.95 processing fee for this service from the credit card companies.
Also on Monday, council approved the banks Fifth Third, Huntington National, and Minster as acceptable places for public funds. Herron said the village is still working to see which has the best interest rate for their funds.
“We want to know where are we going to earn the most bang for our buck,” he said.
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