The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE – The public turned out en masse Tuesday night to voice opposition to a proposal that would steeply increase public water and sewer rates in Clifton Forge.
Council held a public hearing on the proposal to increase the monthly water and sewer bill by $29, which would make the total bill $94, beginning July 1.
The first reading and a public hearing was held Tuesday night and if the proposed rate increase is approved at a June 14 council meeting, bills will increase by 30 percent July 1.
Residents currently pay $65 per month for sewer and water bills. July 1, Clifton Forge will begin metering water consumption, with households charged a base rate for 5,000 gallons, plus applicable overage charges.
Council and the public also got their first view of the proposed 2011-2012 operating budget and capital improvements plan Tuesday night.
The budget does not include any proposals to raise taxes or fees. The proposed general fund budget of $2,631,626 represents a $13,822 increase from the current budget. The budget also calls for a 3 percent pay increase for employees.
Tuesday’s council meeting was scheduled for the Clifton Forge Library, and 15 minutes before the meeting was to begin, it became apparent that the meeting room would not be large enough to hold all the people in attendance. Town Manager Darlene Burcham then moved the meeting to the Clifton Forge Fire Department.
Mayor Jimmie Houff limited each speaker to three minutes during the meeting. Everyone that spoke voiced opposition to the increase in the sewer/water rates.
Elwood Deisher, Roxbury Street, said it is useless to complain to council, because nothing was ever done to resolve discolored water at his residence, noting it not good to wash clothes in discolored water.
Jerome McGuire told council that water and sewer bills will become so cost prohibitive, that residents will not be able to flush their toilets.
Doug Glass told council that a 30 percent increase in water and sewer is outrageous and noted that Social Security recipients did not receive cost of living increases this year. He also mentioned the increase the town is placing on cemetery spaces. Glass also mentioned the restriction on parking in the downtown area during construction of the Main Street Bridge.
Parking against the flow of traffic will be prohibited during the construction period. Glass said he understands that the new restrictions are being imposed for safety reasons, but he said the law should apply to all areas of town. Glass is a retired California state trooper.
Stanley Allen said a 30 percent increase in water rates is too high. He said that his household is currently at the 8,000- gallon range and it’s impossible to cut it to 5,000 gallons. He also complained about brown water he is now getting.
Betty Jo Rhodes, Court Street, said she doesn’t think people can afford to pay the increases in the sewer and water rates. She said her water is also discolored and added that senior citizens could not afford to pay the new rates.
James Harlow, Prospect Walk, told council that the 5,000- gallon limit should be raised. He said his household is already at 6,000 gallons of consumption.
Stanley Nicely, Commercial Avenue, said he does not understand why the town’s sewer rate is going up by $30 and the county does not have to pay the same rate. He also mentioned the payment that Clifton Forge had to pay the county for the sewer plant. He was told that the town has to bear 80 percent of the cost of operating the new regional sewer plant under construction near Iron Gate, because it has 1,800 customers in the plant and the county has much fewer.
Karen Swoope said Clifton Forge is struggling to solve problems and added that some people get help through volunteers paying more for their utilities and the rest is given to those who can’t pay. She also noted that renters sometimes do not pay their bills and the town gets stuck with the bill, and she suggested that the owners be responsible for the monthly bill.
Wade Evans, Brussels Avenue, spoke on varying rate structures. He said that Alleghany County’s rate structure differs from Clifton Forge’s.
Doody Morris, Hamilton Street, also criticized council for the rate proposals. Morris, a former Clifton Forge mayor, said he was speaking up for the citizens again.
The town of Clifton Forge is a party to water and sewer contracts with Alleghany County. Both the water and sewer contract requires a Water and Sewer Advisory Board be appointed by the participating jurisdictions.
The board is comprised of two members each from Alleghany County, Iron Gate and Clifton Forge. The board at their meeting on May 2, unanimously recommended a water rate for fiscal year 2011-2012 at $2.69 per 1,000 gallons and the sewer rate at $3.89 per thousand gallons.
Clifton Forge Council has the discretion to raise the recommended rate an additional 2.5 percent, which they opted to do, making the rate $2.76 per 1,000 to Alleghany County for the purchase of water. The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors will also have the discretion to raise the recommended rate for sewer rates an additional 2.5 percent.
Debby Faulkenbury asked council for permission to hold a Fun Friday event on June 24 and also have a beer garden as part of the event. Council approved the request.
Jeff Irvine, president of the Clifton Forge Armory Committee, stated that work on painting at the facility is moving along.
The treasurer was instructed to buy five more gallons of paint. The committee reviewed a list of user fees and made specific changes. They were approved by the committee, Irvine said.
Clifton Forge will receive two grants from The Alleghany Foundation: $50,000 to fund the proposed Historic District Expansion Study and $8,112 to fund Library Digital Enhancements. Council approved the appropriation resolutions.
Council voted to adopt higher rental fees for a 20 by 20 tent and to compensate for the expense of installation a fee of $300 will be charged for Clifton Forge organizations and $400 for others, plus $500 for both tent and stage.
Council did not raise cemetery space fees at last night’s meeting but tabled it for more fee study.
Council did pass an addendum to the town wastewater treatment agreement with clarifying language which calls for three-year rolling average of system flows and costs and set the agreement for 40 years or until the county’s Rural Development Loan is repaid.
Council passed an amended animal ordinance which had been rewritten to include definition of various animals, the proper number, care, shelter, and the location of these animals in relation to properties adjacent to their owners.
The Masonic Theatre and Clifton Forge School of Arts are sponsoring a “flea market” behind the theatre June 4, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booths can be rented for $15 and all proceeds go to the theatre renovations fund.
The Sharon Ruritan Club will be selling hot dogs featuring homemade chili and other goodies, plus drinks.
After the regular meeting the council went into closed session to discuss real estate and legal matters.
