Public hearing held on Lind utilities

Lind residents may be paying more for utilities soon as more discussion regarding the possible increase of prices was held at a public hearing before the regular town council meeting on Nov. 12.

Currently, Lind residents pay $62 for water, $69.50 for sewage and $19.50 for garbage for a total of $151 a month. As previously reported, a town ordinance automatically raises the cost of water by 1.73% and sewage by 1.74% every year.

Increasing garbage prices as well was previously discussed at a workshop meeting on Oct. 15, but garbage rates cannot increase without action by the town council following multiple public hearings.

Mayor Paula Bell said the Nov. 12 meeting was the first of what she thinks will be three public hearings on the matter.

Two ideas were discussed at the hearing. Councilwoman Kathy Vedder suggested allowing the ordinance to raise the water and sewage as scheduled, but round the increase off to the nearest dollar. She then suggested waiting three months before deciding what to do with the garbage cost. For the time being, that would bring the total cost to $153.50 a month.

Councilwoman Rose Elkington suggested doing the same to the water and sewage costs, but also suggested raising the garbage by 50 cents to bring the total monthly bill to $154.

While no official action was taken, Bell says she believes consensus on the council seems to favor Elkingotn’s plan.

While two members of the public attended the public hearing, there was no public comment. The next public hearing will be Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. The council’s normal meeting will follow at 7 p.m.