Centerville considering water rate increase

CENTERVILLE — City Council discussed increasing city water rates 10 percent and plan to approve the measure in mid-June.

During its regular work session Tuesday, Councilman Ed Tucker was quick to say such an increase, if approved, would not be a money-making increase but would bring charges to a “break even” point for the city in providing water and sewer services.

An increase in the city’s water rates must be approved by the mayor and council.

A first reading of the plan to increase rates will be during its regular meeting next month on June 1 with a second reading June 15 during its monthly work session. After the second reading, the council is free to vote on the measure.

“It’s like a business purchasing a product for $20 and selling it for $10,” Tucker said. “Really, we’re getting (rates) back in line.”

Mike Brumfield, Centerville’s superintendent of utilities, said the city provides its own drinking water and contracts with Warner Robins for sewage treatment.

Also during the June 1 meeting, City Council will hear a presentation on Centerville’s 2010-2011 budget from city administrator Patrick Eidson.

Council members were given budget information and asked for their input before the next meeting. Officials hope to officially adopt a new budget June 15.

New budget information should be available for public review at City Hall today.

Also Tuesday, City Council agreed to spend $12,000 for rights-of-way in relation to the Houston County special purpose local option sales tax Margie Drive extension project. The project will extend Margie Drive north so that it curves to meet Bassett Street at an intersection with North Houston Lake Boulevard. The project will include placement of two traffic lights, one at Margie Drive and Gunn Road and the other at the new intersection of Margie Drive with North Houston Lake Boulevard.