Q Our water bills from the City of Hartford increased this month, without notification and no opportunity to appeal. When was this increase approved and by whom? What was the purpose of it and who is benefitting?
A The Hartford City Council approved the increase unanimously last month.
“We had three public meetings down here in the new community center, and we discussed it at the last two council meetings before we passed it,” said Hartford City Clerk Carmen Burris.
The increase adds $15.46 to the base rate on every bill.
The additional money was needed because of anticipated replacement of all city water lines in Hartford. The city has applied for a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant from the State of Kansas.
“To do that, you have to show that you can support that,” Burris said. “Then, of course, we will have to get a loan for the other (non-grant cost) part of it, to finish that out.”
The base cost of water is for a minimum of 1,000 gallons. Subsequent charges are $5 per thousand gallons.
“Our line down from Emporia is just 15 years old, so it’s in good shape,” Burris, said, adding that the water tower also will not be replaced.
“You have to have good water,” she said.