Special called meeting finalizes new water, sewer rates for Lanett

BY JOHN BRICE
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LANETT — Due to an oversight at its regular meeting on Sept. 21, the Lanett City Council held a special called meeting on Sept. 25 at noon to address a formality regarding the passage of new water and sewer rates.

There had been a resolution passed at the regular meeting to amend the established rates for residential and commercial water, as well as a separate resolution to amend sewer rates. At the special called meeting, the new rates were passed as ordinances instead of resolutions in compliance with the city’s laws.

First, the council held a roll call vote in favor of suspending the rules for Ordinance 09-26-02, which had its second reading.

“Whereas, Article 2, Division 1, Section 9-45 of the Code of Ordinances of the city of Lanett states that rates and charges for utility services shall be prescribed by the City Council. And whereas, the wholesale cost of providing water services has increased, necessitating that the city adjust rates accordingly. And whereas, it is in the best interest of the city and its citizens to operate its water systems in a cost-efficient manner.”

In the following section of the ordinance, the details were spelled out.

“Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved by the mayor and council of the city of Lanett, Alabama, as follows: Section 1, that the water rates of the city be modified and established as hereafter set forth until modified or changed by official action of the city. Section 2, the following fees and charges are established as the water rate schedule for the city. The new minimum rate will be $18.81 for residential water and $7.26 per 1,000 gallons for all usage over 2,000 gallons. The new minimum rate will be $30.45 for commercial water and $10.89 per 1,000 gallons for all usage over 2,000 gallons.”

There was a second roll call vote to approve the new ordinance adjusting the water rates, which will go into effect as of Oct. 1 along with the new sewer rates. At that point, another roll call vote was held in favor of suspending the rules again for Ordinance 09-26-03 to adjust the sewer rates, which was then approved with an additional roll call vote.

For residential customers, the new minimum sewer rate will be $13.50 and $2.91 per 1,000 gallons over 2,000 gallons. Commercial customers will have a minimum $16.20 sewer rate and $8.10 per 1,000 gallons for all usage over 2,000 gallons going forward.