Scheduled Gentry water, sewer increase approved by council

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

— Council members unanimously approved a water rate increase to cover the costs of operating and approved the purchase of a new police car at their Monday night meeting.

As part of a plan adopted several years ago to bring Gentry’s water and sewer rates in line to cover operating costs and provide money for depreciation and replacement, water and sewer rates will again rise by 3 percent, beginning with the bill due on Jan. 10, 2014.

The increase sets rates for sewer customers, based on water usage, within city limits at $6.94 for the first 1,000 gallons and $2.55 per thousand after that up to 5,000gallons. Rates are then $1.95 per thousand for the next 45,000 gallons, and $1.27 per thousand gallons for all usage above 50,000 gallons of water.

Those outside city limits will pay $11.94 for anything up to the fi rst 1,000 gallons; $3.22 per thousand for the next 4,000 gallons; and the same as in-town users for usage above 5,000 gallons.

Water rates inside city limits for those using 5/8 and 3/4 inch meters is a minimum of $12.17 per month for up to 1,000 gallons of water used. Water then will cost $4.75 per thousand gallons up to 15,000 gallons; $4.56 per thousand up to 50,000 gallons; $4.38 per thousand up to 300,000 gallons;$4.03 per thousand up to 1,000,000 gallons; and $3.72 per thousand for water usage above that.

For those outside city limits, the basic 5/8 to 3/4 inch meter charge is $29.21, with water rates thereafter at $8.10 per thousand gallons for usage up to 15,000 gallons; $6.57 for usage between 15,000 and 50,000; $5.05 for usage between 50,000 gallons and 300,000 gallons; and $4.38 for usagein excess of 300,000 gallons.

Basic charges are greater for larger water meters, both inside and outside of city limits.

A $1.50 per meter charge assessed to the city from Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority will also continue to be passed on to water customers.

The increase to most household customers will amount to less than $5 per month.

Because of increased costs to operate the city’s water and sewer system and the need for future updates and improvements - especiallyshould a new water treatment plant be needed - a greater increase may need to be studied and considered in another year, according to David McNair, Gentry’s public works supervisor.

New patrol car

The council unanimously approved the purchase of a 2014 Dodge Police Charger V6 for the state-bid purchase price of $23,000. The money will come from the city’s Highway Improvement Fund account ($19,340) and special purpose mini grant in the amount of $4,300 which the city received fromthe Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, also know as JAG.

The police department did not purchase a car in 2013 in order to purchase dash cameras for the police vehicles - a project which is still being researched.

A patrol car which is approximately 8 years old and has in excess of 160,000 miles on it will be retired after the new car is put in service. Delivery time on the new car was estimated at 90 to 120 days from the date of order. The purchase price does not include emergency equipment which the policedepartment will install, such as emergency lights and radios.

Request for retirement pay

A request for retirement pay from Terrie Chavez (formerly Terrie Ocheltree), who worked for the city as recorder/treasurer from January of 1982 until December of 1992 and is now 60, was referred to the personnel committee, which will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.

According to Jay Williams, city attorney, Gentry was not a city of the fi rst class at the time Chavez was afull-time employee and was not bound by the law which requires cities of the fi rst class to pay retirement to certain elected employees who serve for 10 years or more. He also pointed out that the council at the time of Chavez’ employment did not approve retirement pay, and the council in 2008 did not grant her request for it.

“I think we need to look at this in depth,” said Councilman James Furgason. “We don’t own the city coffers; we are stewards of it. This could have ramifi cations for a long time to come,” he added.

News, Pages 1 on 11/06/2013