DECATUR -- The Decatur City Council considered several ordinances during the Sept. 12 regular council meeting in the meeting room at Decatur City Hall.
Topping the agenda was the approval of a new residential water-rate schedule for the Decatur Water Department. This rate increase was in response to a 19-cent-per-thousand-gallon rate hike by the Benton/Washington Regional Public Water Authority put in place last July. It is regarded as necessary for the city to raise the rates to 25 cents per thousand gallons to cover this and future rate increases.
Benton/Washington Regional Public Water Authority provides close to half the water used by the city of Decatur. The remaining water is provided by the city's three-well system. The amount of water purchased from the BWRPWA varies each month, depending upon the health of the well system.
The council approved the ordinance on three readings. The rate increase will go into effect Dec. 1.
The new residential rates, which are measured per 1,000 gallons or portions thereof are as follows:
- 0-1000 gallons - Residents $7.75, Non Residents (outside the city limits) $9.60.
- 1,000-10,000 gallons - Residents $3.77, Non Residents $4.32.
- 10,000-50,000 gallons - Residents $3.52, Non Residents $3.55.
- 50,000-300,000 gallons - Residents $3.37, Non Residents $3.37.
- 300,001 gallons plus - Residents $3.32, Non Residents $3.37.
The council also approved an ordinance to add an addendum to the Aug. 19, 2013, Wastewater Treatment contract with the city of Centerton to process the city's sewage.
The addendum was necessary to increase the base rate charged to Centerton in order to help finance the improvements to the Decatur wastewater treatment plant.
After careful review, the Centerton City Council also passed the ordinance in three readings during its Sept. 13 meeting at Centerton City Hall.
In July, the council took up the subject of parking at the Decatur City Park and swimming pool. Several concerned citizens brought the matter to the attention of their council representatives. The citizens were concerned that vehicles from non-park users were taking spaces away from those residents and guests who wanted to use the park facilities.
In August, an ordinance was introduced on a first reading which would restrict parking of any motor vehicle on any street in Decatur that is directly adjacent to any designated city park to the purposes of use of and access to the adjacent city park. The restriction was deemed necessary for public access to parks, and the passage of emergency vehicles, traffic, and for pedestrian safety.
A $50 fine will be levied against violators of the ordinance. Signs are currently in place at all Decatur parks and at the city pool.
The council approved the ordinance on its third and final reading on Sept. 12.
In other council business, the council approved the hiring of three new firefighters. Joining the Decatur Fire Department will be Michael Harris, Derrick Knight and Eric Anderson.
The Decatur City Council meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the meeting room at city hall. Citizens of Decatur can voice their concerns during the first 30 minutes of each meeting. For more information, contact the city office at 479-752-3912.
General News on 09/21/2016