GEORGETOWN —
Georgetown residents could soon see an increase in their water bills.
On Monday night, the Georgetown Town Council approved a resolution for a possible increase and to continue the process of studying the idea. There will be a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Georgetown Optimist Club for residents to speak against or in favor of the proposal. The town council has planned a vote for Sept. 4 on the rate increase.
There are three proposals up for consideration, according to Jim Reynolds, public works director for the town. Reynolds said the average consumer uses around 4,000 gallons per month at a rate of $42.99. The minimum increase under the plan would be $19.68, making the monthly bill $62.67. The other two proposals call for a five-year capital improvement plan which would increase monthly bills $26.56 and a 10-year plan which ups monthly rates for average users by $21.32.
The minimum rate increase would cover rate increases from the town’s supplier, Ramsey Water Co. Inc.
The capital improvement plans include the installation of Variable Frequency Drives on the existing booster pumps, along with other upgrades including leak detection and Geographic Information System equipment, and installation of fire hydrants.
The town council’s decision will be to increase only the amount that is being passed on by Ramsey Water Co. or to include the necessary capital improvement over a five- year or 10-year period.
Reynolds also said all users have been notified of the public hearing.
Town hires Ecotech for collections
The town council approved a proposal to hire Ecotech LLC for garbage and recycling pickup for Georgetown residents.
The work used to be done by town employees, but due to the need for a new sanitation truck, at a cost of $250,000, and increases in workman’s compensation costs, Reynolds said it will be more economical to contract the work out.
Three companies were considered, and by a 4-1 vote, Ecotech was chosen over New Albany City Boys and Sweet Land. Not only does the contract include garbage and recycling pickup, but also yard waste removal.
Currently, Georgetown residents pay $15 a month and the commercial customers pay $30. Those rates will remain the same.
“For me, Ecotech will be able to service the town better than anyone else,” Council member Patti Denison said. “They are larger and if a truck breaks down, they have backups.”
Denison along with council member Kathy Haller and Reynolds sat on a committee to study proposals from the various companies and to conduct interviews. Reynolds said there will be a smooth transition and customers should not have any type of interruption of service. Letters will be sent to customers to notify them of the change.
Police chief concerned about drug use
Georgetown Police Chief Dennis Kunkel told the council that drugs continue to be an issue in the town, and in the past 30 days, $4,000 in narcotics have been taken off to the streets following arrests.
He also said Georgetown officers are patrolling Ind. 64 more heavily and writing more tickets to try and slow down traffic. He said traffic accidents are on the increase on Ind. 64, especially near the entrance to the Copperfield Commons development.
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Georgetown plans water rate increase
Hearing slated for Monday
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