Residents and businesses in the city of Dawsonville will pay 15 percent more for water beginning with their January bills.
During the public hearing portion of the Dawsonville City Council meeting Monday, Dec. 1, no one spoke for or against the proposed increase. Council members then approved the second reading of the proposed ordinance, and voted unanimously to approve it.
It is the first water rate increase the city has had in five years, according to Mayor James Grogan.
The 15 percent increase is across the board, Grogan said. And, even with the increase, we still have the lowest water rates in the county. The increase is also necessary, he said, to continue upgrading the citys water and sewer lines.
Some senior citizens in the city, however, will be able to avoid the increase. Seniors need to complete an application with the city to have their rates decreased by 15 percent. Applicants must be 65 or older, have an annual income equal to or less than $25,000 per year, and own or lease their property, according to Grogan. Applications must be renewed each year.
In other actions taken by the city council:
In other actions, the city council:
Moved $4,000 into its payroll for holiday bonuses for city employees. City employees have not had a bonus or increase in three years, Grogan said.
Approved continuation of fire service from the county for 2013
Wrote off $1,995 in uncollected water debt
Appointed Richard Spaeth, co-owner of Racers Retreat Bed and Breakfast, to fill Julia Codys slot on the Downtown Development Authority. Cody died unexpectedly earlier this year.
--Agreed that Mayor James Grogan and Council Member Chris Gaines should attend a Mayors Day Conference Jan. 25-28 in Atlanta.
The council also approved several appointments. They include:
City Clerk Bonnie Warne
City Attorney Dana Miles of Miles, Patterson, Hansford, Tallant, LLC
Auditor Alexander, Almand and Bangs, LLP
Engineer G. Ben Turnipseed Engineers, Inc
Municipal Court Judge - David Wallace
Emergency Repair/Installation Water/Sewer Infrastructure Jackie Townley Construction
Testing of Waterwater Environmental Management Services
Geologist - Robert Atkins