111 E.
Grand St. P.O. Box 191, Monticello, Iowa 52310
319.465.3555 • mexpress@n-connect.net
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In the News |
| Methods suggested to ease 'necessary'
water bill increase |
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By
Pete Temple
While it appears water rates in the City of Monticello will be going
up, it may not be as painful for residents as originally thought.Express Sports Editor The city council voted on Monday to approve the first reading of the water increase ordinance. City Administrator Herman has repeatedly used the word “necessary” to describe the proposed 10 percent increase. According to the city’s loan agreements, a certain amount of cash balance must be maintained, or the debts can be called due. The cash balance has been reduced by lower water usage, increases in debt payments, and a planned increase in expenditures for infrastructure such as hydrant replacements. Also, there is concern that some of the other meters are not accurately reflecting the amount of water being used. As meters age, Herman explained, they turn too slowly. However, Herman suggested ways the increase could have less of an impact. One of those is to reduce the storm water ordinance monthly fees. This would affect the city’s ability to fund storm water-eligible projects, but those could be raised again once the debt is paid down and the balances are stronger. He also suggested decreasing the sewer fee. Those changes would reduce the annual average increase from $41.08 to $18.96 per year. Though the first reading has been passed, the council still has the flexibility to amend the ordinance, including the reductions suggested by Herman, before approving second and third readings. Stop… A four-way stop sign will be installed on the corner of Sycamore and Grand, thanks to an ordinance passed by the council Monday. Citizens near the intersection have suggested that it could be made safer by converting the current two-way stop to four-way, so that north-south travelers have to stop, as well. Harland Hetzler, who lives at that intersection, spoke against the proposed signs, explaining that he has lived there 15 years and has not seen any problems. He also said the additional stopping and starting of vehicles would be a waste of fuel. However, the council voted to go ahead and approved the final reading of the ordinance. …and go Some residents may soon be better able to get around town, thanks to an ordinance that neared passage Monday. An ordinance allowing golf carts to be used on city streets moved one step closer to passage, as the council approved the second reading. According to the ordinance, golf carts will not be allowed on primary road extensions, including Highway 38, Cedar Street, or First Street (from Main Street to Cedar Street). Carts can be used to cross those streets, however. A cart operator must have a valid driver’s license, and each cart must have adequate brakes, a “slow moving vehicle” sign, bicycle safety flag and other safety features. (Contact the
writer: ptemple@monticelloexpress.com)
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