City commissioners approved ordinances to increase solid waste and water rates at their regular meeting on Wednesday.
Beginning Dec. 1, solid waste rates will see an increase of 3 percent, or 37 cents. The rates for single- and multiple-family residences, mobile home parks and commercial polycarts will increase from $12.42 to $12.79. Rates for commercial loose pick-up will increase from $30 to $30.90.
The solid waste fee ordinance was approved after amendments were made to remove a $5 per ton fee for compost and brush/trees.
Water rates will see a 10.5 percent increase due partially to the loss of water sales from the Tyson closing. The increase will be approximately $2 per month.
In other business, commissioners:
• Approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 15 as Disability Mentoring Day to recognize the importance of helping those with disabilities to “fulfill their own American dreams of contributing to society and striving to attain economic independence through self-sufficiency and gainful employment.”
• Approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week in Emporia. The theme of the week, “It’s Fire Prevention Week — Prevent Home Fires” serves to remind everyone to take the measures necessary to prevent fires and take steps to increase fire safety.
• Approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 10 as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day to emphasize the importance of safe driving habits, such as using the seat belt, avoiding distractions such as the cell phone, and not drinking and driving.
• Approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 3 as June Bug Day in Emporia to recognize the efforts of June “June Bug” Sauder, who died of breast cancer in 2005. The June Bug foundation exists in her memory to help cancer patients with expenses such as transportation costs or utility payments. All money in the foundation will go to help patients in Emporia and the surrounding area.
• Approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 19-25 as Friends of the Library Week to recognize the Friends of the Library for the time they give to raising money for projects and equipment. The Friends of the Library fall book sale will take place Oct. 17-22.
• Voted to adopt the proposed new compensation plan for the city.
• Approved an ordinance vacating the easement between lots 5 and 6 in block II in the Eaglecrest 4th subdivision.
• Granted a conditional use permit for a residential living unit on the ground floor at 726 Commercial St.
• Adopted the standard traffic ordinance.
• Approved an ordinance designating the area 95 feet north of the south entrance of Timmerman School as No Parking.
cjbridges (anonymous) says...
Since the water rate went up due to loss of Tyson, that means the water rate will decrease when a new business opens- such as the new pet food plant. Right?????
October 2, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )