In addition to the previously approved 4% increase in local sewer rates next year, Crothersville Utility customers will feel a 1% increase in water rates by the end of the first quarter of 2015. That was the decision of the Crothersville Town Council when the met last Tuesday for their regular December meeting.
Utility customers will see a 1% increase each year for the next four years in their water bill.
“We don’t like the idea of going a long time without an increase then having a large spike up in rates,” said council president Ardell Mitchell. “Lower, gradual annual increases will be easier on the consumers.”
That will mean for a consumer of the minimum amount of water-4,000 gallons-their rate will go up 34¢ from $33.40 to $33.74 per month. A larger consumer using 10,000 gallons would see their water bill go from $83.50 to $84.34.
The rates for wastewater treatment (sewer) were previously scheduled to increase 4% in 2015.
The town council opted to no increase trash collection fees even though the town will be paying 3% more for weekly trash pick up in 2015.
In 2014 the town pays Rumpke of Indiana $9.19 per household per month to pick up trash. The charge to the consumer is $9.50.
In 2015 that weekly fee paid to Rumpke rises to $9.47 per household leaving only a 3-cent margin per household per month.
Historically, the town pays for the semi annual trash pickup from that profit margin.
But at the suggestion of council Lenvel ‘Butch’ Robinson, the town will use the recycling stipend paid to the town from the Jackson County Solid Waste District to fund the semi-annual trash pickups. In the past the recycling stipend was used to bolster the town’s general fund.
In a final matter, the town approved moving to electronic payment of the monthly combined water-sewer-trash and recycling bill for those who prefer to pay by credit or debit card.
Clerk-Treasurer Terry Richey told the council that govpaynet accepts all credit and debit cards and there will be no charge to the town for using their service.
However, residents who use electronic pay will experience an additional convenience fee on their credit/debit card statement.
For a monthly bill up to $50, a $1.50 service fee will be added. From $50 to $75 there will be a $1.75 service fee and for $75 to $100 there will be a $3 fee.
The council approved beginning electronic payments at town hall and will be seeking to add a link to the town’s website to allow for payment from home computers.
