Ordinance would update city water service rules

On Thursday, the Ironton City Council had the first reading on Ordinance 19-09, which would update the rules and regulations for using city water service.

It sets the water administration fee at $2.50, which would be unchanged from current rates, and sets a usage fee of $6.44 per 1,000 gallons of water used. That amount would go up from $5.30 per 1,000 gallon used rate set by council in 2011.

If passed, it would require a $200 security fee for renters, with the money being returned when service is ended and the bill is current. Homeowners would pay $125, which could be returned after 12 months of service and if the utility bills are paid on time.

Currently, All rental and homeowners pay a $100 non-refundable payment to the Water Department for the installation and/or new service for utilities, including water, sewer and sanitation.

It also set the fees for water tap fees, which is $1,200 for meter size of 5/8 by 3/4 inch, with that fee going up $200. It also sets a fee of $1,500 for a 1 inch and $1,500 for a tap over 1 plus material and labor costs. Those two fees would increase by $300.

The ordinance would allow water service to be shut off after 30 days of the bill not being paid.

The ordinance will be up for second reading at the next council meeting on Feb. 28.

The council approved a contract between the city and the State Auditor’s Office to audit the city’s basic financial statement ending Dec. 31, 2018. The audit will determine the basic financial statements and relate materials were done in accordance with the city’s accounting basis.

The written audit report will be delivered by Sept. 30. Costs are not to exceed $34,850.

The council also authorized the mayor to award bids for chemicals for the treatment of water at the city’s plant.

Ordinance 19-11 was referred to the council’s Finance Committee for discussion. The ordinance is an agreement between the city and E.L Robinson Engineering Company to design separation of the Madison Street to the wastewater treatment plant storm and sanitary lines as part of Phase V of the EPA-mandated separation project that must be completed by 2025. The costs are total engineering costs are $694,119 and the cost of construction has yet to be determined.

A representative from E.L Robinson Engineering Company will meet with the Finance Committee at 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 28 before the regular council meeting to discuss the project.

The Ironton City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in council chambers on the third floor of the City Center building. Meetings are open to the public.