Leetonia sewer rates to increase
By KEVIN HOWELLLEETONIA- Village residents may see an increase in their sewer bills in 2010.
Village Council Wednesday night passed the first reading of an ordinance that will raise residents' minimum monthly sewer rates to $39.95 for 2,000 gallons of waste water, a difference of over $2. Billing for each additional 1,000 gallons will also increase, from $0.93 to $2.55.
The rates, if passed on all three readings, will take effect in January, with February bills reflecting the change.
According to Village Administrator Gary Phillips, the water and sewer department has been losing between $2,500 and $3,500 each month, which necessitated the change.
"Day-to-day operational costs at the sewer plant are higher than what we're bringing in," he said, noting that the village has been aware of the growing problem, but reluctant to increase rates so shortly after increasing water rates.
It is the first sewer rates increase since 1990, Phillips added.
In other news, Councilwoman Shana Prince resigned her appointed position on the council to assume her elected, four-year term in January. She was appointed in September when JR Ferry resigned.
As a result, council will look to appoint someone to the open council spot, which has two years remaining of its term. Residents wishing to be considered may send letters of interest care of Mayor Artie Altomare, 300 E. Main St., Leetonia Ohio 44431.
Also at the meeting, Council added an additional resident to be appointed to the newly formed advisory commission for the Cherry Valley Coke Ovens restoration project. The commission will consist of one council member, one Parks Board member, four residents, Altomare and Phillips. Altomare will appoint the commission members with council's approval.
Council also approved final reading to establish regulations, coinciding with the village's open burning ordinance, that prohibit use of bonfires, campfires and outdoor fireplaces to midnight to 6 a.m. on mornings following Sunday through Thursday and 1 to 6 a.m. on mornings following Friday and Saturday; and renewed the health insurance package for village employees through Health Assurance.
Additionally Phillips reminded residents that leaf pick-up with the Vac Machine will conclude Friday, but they can still bag their leaves for the village to pick up through Dec. 31. He also thanked the residents for their cooperation in the leaf pick-up program this year, noting that there were minimal problems with residents mixing brush into the piles.
The Park Board's "Christmas in the Park" is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at Wick Park and will include carriage rides and photos with Santa.
Oakdale Cemetery's "Christmas Remembrance of Loved Ones" service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at the cemetery chapel.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in council chambers.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
