GAINESVILLE - Gainesville City Council Tuesday night gave first reading approval to a water and sewer rate hike that takes effect in January, 2014. Gainesville's Mayor said when costs go up for the city; costs go up for city water and sewer customers.
Mayor Danny Dunagan said when Georgia Power Company raises its rates, city cost goes up, and when State Transportation projects require moving water lines, the city has to absorb that expense.
"We have to fund that 100 percent out of our pocket," the Mayor said." D.O.T. does not reimburse us for any relocation of our lines when they decide to widen a road or do road construction."
The mayor said customers could expect a modest rate increase. According to city projections water rates are going up $2.34 a month for the average city household, with a smaller increase for outside city residents who already pay double.
In and outside the city sewer rates per 100 cubic feet are going up 13 cents from $7.26 to $7.39, with Oakwood sewer going from $8.16 to $8.40. The account service fee is going up a quarter from $4.00 to $4.25.
AT LARGE VOTING
Several opponents of Gainesville's at large voting process appeared before Council, urging them to do away with city wide election of council members and avoid a costly court battle.
Among the speakers were Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and Gainesville attorney Jody Cooley.
Mayor Danny Dunagan said Council was not insensitive to Gainesville's Latinos, and they could expect a timely decision.
"We care about our Latino population, they are an integral part of our city and economy," Dunagan said. "I promise you we are looking into this issue and we will be making a decision soon but it just takes some time."
Cooley said Gainesville's Latinos were under represented in all facets of civic life; Gonzalez said at large voting disenfranchised and discriminated against Latinos.
Wednesday
October 16th, 2024
7:24PM
