Government : City Council moves forward with plans for Rate Adjustments

The Vinton City Council met last Thursday and had a light agenda to cover.

Committee reports were given and Mayor Maynard began with a report on the work session concerning the budget for fiscal year 2025.

Councilman Ron Hessenius reported on the Public Safety meeting to discuss West 5th Street and a request for a handicap parking space near North Star Community Services. The council will take action for approval at the next council meeting.

Kellie Van Ree, spoke at the meeting. as a candidate for Benton County Supervisor introducing herself to the council.

Sewer Rates

Under old business, the council approved the third reading of Ordinance 1096. This would change Sections 99.01 and 99.01, 1 and 2 concerning the sewer rates.

The council approved the second reading of Ordinance 1097

Effective July 1, 2024 An operating and maintenance charge of $30.71 will be charged each month. Sewer usage will be charged in the amount of 100 cubic feet multiplied by $6.68. The rates will be reviewed before every fiscal year.

Effective July 1, 2025 the rates will increase to $32.25 per month and the sewer rates will increase to 100 cubit feet multiplied by $7.01 per month. With the rates being reviewed before each fiscal year.

Water Rates

Effective July 1, 2024 The council approved the second reading of Ordinance 1098 amending the water rates. The operating and maintenance fee will be $10.25 per meter, and water usage in 100 cubit feet will be multiplied by $5.49 per month with rates reviewed annually.

Effective July 1, 2025, the meter fees will remain the same, but the water usage at 100 cubit feet will multiply by $5.87. Rates will be reviewed annually.

Landfill Fees

The first reading of Ordinance 1099, which will lower the rates for solid waste collection was approved and will take effect July 1, 2024. This reduces the landfill rates from $19.95 to $10.95 per month. This will balance out the increase in sewer and water rates.

OTHER BUSINESS

An application for a special event permit at the Library, the Red Carpet Arrival's, was granted by council.

Jordyn Edwards was appointed to the Airport Zoning Commission.

Rezoning for 409 West 4th Street was requested changing it from residential to business was submitted, and the request will be sent on to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

On Thursday, March 14, a public hearing will be held for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Housing Fund application.

On Thursday, March 28, at 6:00 p.m. the second public hearing for the Property Tax Levy for the fiscal year 2025 budget.

REPORTS

City Administrator, Chris Ward - budget work is still in progress.

Street Department - tree trimming is complete.

Vinton Police Department, Police Chief, Ted Paxton - there is still an open position in the department.

The council closed the meeting by congratulating Kylee Kirchner and Vann Lessig on their State Bowling wins.