Mayor Discusses Needed Water Rate Increase & Mt. Zion Water Assn. with City Council
February 25th, 2011 by Sarah SpencerDiscussion of the need for a 3% water rate increase was brought before the Council by Mayor Allen Maxwell.
Because of an aging water system, maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are increasing significantly. It was pointed out that Monticello has some of the lowest water rates of any of the surrounding cities. Data for last year’s costs will be compiled and this matter will be discussed at upcoming meetings.
MonticelloLive on Vimeo.
Also in the meeting, the Mayor advised the Council about the circumstances surrounding the Mt. Zion Water Association. It was decided that no further action would be taken until representatives for Mt. Zion appear before the Council.
Choose another article
Newer article: ARK. 4th District Republican Committee to meet in Monticello, Today
Older article: MEDC Report to City Council – Edited
It seems that the water rates increase is the way to fix every problem in the city. We have continually brought that up as soon as we have new administration. The aging sewer and water system as been a continual problem and every time the water rates are increased then there is no improvement. We have continually built things for recreation, splash pool, ball fields and we still have no better water system or sewer. I believe you should consider the type of water rates and garbage pickup for food establishments and large commercial spots such as Walmart and charge for the amount appropriate to the service provided. Maybe you already do this, but a small office or church open just on Weds. nights and Sundays should not have to pay the same as other type commercial sites. A water rate increase on everyone does not fix the problem and surely with the sales tax that is so easily raised and paid by everyone should do something besides build ball fields and splash pools. I have not seen a senior citizen running thru a splash pool or playing on a ball field. Right now with hard times, even the young family will be hurt because every penny counts. I have seen some of the older people and young people not go to the Doctor or get a RX
filled, because they have to pay their utilities or they get turned off. If I were responsible for raising more utilities, I would think seriously about doing this to the people of Monticello. Surely infrastructure should always be included in a budget at the top of the list. The City Council and the New Mayor need to start thinking about running this town and not haphazardly doing
the square over or building a splash pad, or a new ball field. Surely we are not this shallow to look over basics and then go spend on something we could do without and fix what needs to be fixed.
I am a Mt Zion Water Association customer and I wish someone else would take it over. I think they charge whatever they want. My bill has nearly doubled within the last couple months and I know that I am not the only one. Not only do I not trust them, but they are nearly impossible to get in touch with.
“It was pointed out that Monticello has some of the lowest water rates of any of the surrounding cities”
And the point is???? Oh, they sure need to fix that-
Monticello also has some of the LOL wages I’ve ever seen. Can they go ahead and fix that too?
I am a Mt Zion customer also and I agree about the the water bill. You have to watch it closeley, they will change your beginning meter reading to increase your bill so as to help pay for those that dont ever pay a bill.
I am a member of the Mt Zion Water Association and I have never heard anything about the loan or becoming a part of the city’ water. It would be nice if there were ever a meeting for dispensing information, a fee schedule, who is in charge, is there a board or etc. When you move into the area you move in blind. Organization would take care of some of the problems. It is hard to close the gate after the livestock is already out. Someone doesn’t want the members to know what is REALLY!!!! going on.
Maybe the city does need to take over. Atleast we would know what’s going on.
Really? My bill is $139 dollars a month due to $70 dollar sewage. I do not have a leak, but did the previous year. $139 dollars a month! I say the desk workers give people the option of being based on monthly sewage rates instead of annual, if chosen. I hear people complaining about $30 and $40 bills. But if the water goes up much more I won’t be able to afford it. And no, the city has not tried to make a change based on circumstance on my case. I have been up to the office several times in the past 3 years, as my girlfriend has also. Somethings gotta give.
Oh and btw, your sewage is based entirely on water usage from September through February.