Lepanto city council discusses water rates

Taking up most of the discussion last Tuesday night, Sept. 15 at the Lepanto city council meeting was the subject of the recent water rate increase. In hopes of helping the council members see how the city's rates compare with other municipalities, City Clerk, Tammy Wyatt presented several comparisons including those of Marked Tree and Tyronza.

"The water (portion of the bill) is considerably less, but the sewer cost is a lot more," said Wyatt. "The prices of things are cheaper here than anywhere else. But, when something breaks down on water department it costs a couple of thousands of dollars to have it fixed, so it isn't cheap. Altogether the water department last year took a $43,000 loss due to the cost of fuel."

According to Wyatt's figures, Lepanto's flat rate is $4.50 while Marked Tree's and Tyronza's rates are $10.25 and $10.42 respectively.

It was also pointed out that Tyronza had made an allowance in their ordinance for automatic three percent rate increases over the next three years.

After additional discussion, the matter was tabled until October's meeting.

May Kevin Wright then said he had been told that the 2009 recycling grant the city had applied for had been approved for $40,000. Wright said he would be notified as to when the city could start purchasing equipment.

"Marked Tree makes several hundreds of dollars off their recycling equipment," said Wright. "I'd like to purchase something for aluminum cans and card board."

In other business:

* It was announced that the fire department would be selling t-shirts at the up coming centennial celebration. It was also announced that Pepsi would provide banners for Main Street and that KAIT news would do a story a few days in advance of the event. The possibility of having a fireworks display was also being considered.

* The upcoming Terrapin Derby was also addressed and that this year's celebration would feature some new additions including a petting zoo and pony rides rather than a carnival as in past years.

* The mayor mentioned the HCIC that was approved back in April by the council members. Since the approval of this there have been 25 warrants served. Five have been paid for a total of $1840 with the remaining 20 still pending court action.

* The council adopted the authorization for the Natural Communications Plan for the Poinsett County area.

* The financial statements and reports were approved.

* The minutes approved.