When the Geary City Council held its rescheduled January meeting, it took up a topic no public servant wants to deal with – utility rate hikes.
The increases in question were to the minimum charges for water and sewer services. The water rate minimum will go from $25 to $41 and the minimum charge for sewer will double from $10 to $20. The new rates will go into effect for the January bills sent out in February.
The background on the increases is that the utilities were operating at a deficit. In order to remain in compliance with an agreement with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for financing, the utility must cover its own costs.
The larger portion of the increases come down on the water department budget because it often has larger expenses. For instance, in the same meeting, the council approved some $82,000 in repairs and upkeep on the reverse osmosis drinking water treatment plant.
The OWRB loan was to finance the water line south of town to the 108 exit on I-40.
“I don’t want to increase it,” said acting Mayor Rocky Coleman, “But for the sake of the city, I really don’t want to default on that loan.”
Council member Kristy Miller said she hated to make the increase but didn’t see an option, while council member Sandra Cleveland said “It makes me sick to my stomach.”
The regret with which the topic was viewed was obvious when Miller made the motion.
“With great remorse,” she said, “I move we approve the proposed rate increases.”
Cleveland echoed her sentiment.
“In lieu of throwing up, I second it.” Thus it was the increases were passed.
City attorney Bryce Kennedy noted that the increases not only had to be made, but they were required. Coleman agreed, pointing out again that it was in the best interest of the community. Without the increases the loan could go into default which would put the city out of the picture for any other loans from the OWRB in the future.
The utilities authority board also approved a budget amendment to personnel services in the amount of $12,160. The money is intended for pay raises, but they will not be across the board. Each employee might have a different increase, or none at all, based on length of service, employee evaluations and contributions to the department.
A similar move was made during the city council meeting - the two are held on the same date, but as separate meetings - with a budget amendment for $8512 set aside for raises.
In each instance, Coleman pointed out there was nothing that said the money had to be used if raises weren’t warranted.
Geary City Council will next meet at 6 p.m. February 11 in city hall. Meetings are open to the public.