Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Before approving the third and final reading of two ordinances that will increase the water and sewer rates in town, Marlinton Town Council held a public hearing to discuss the ordinances during Monday evening’s meeting.
There were several questions regarding the rate hikes, including why billing will be changed from every two months to monthly and when the water and sewer project is expected to start.
It was explained that Marlinton is one of a few municipalities to still do bi-monthly billing and changing to monthly billing will be easier for the residents.
Fred Hypes with Thrasher Engineering said the plans for the project will be ready for council’s review sometime this summer. He added that the project will be put out to bid in December.
Hypes also explained that there is still a plan to test the fire hydrants for the flow test requirements, as well as to see which ones need to be replaced. Those hydrants will be replaced as the new water lines are installed.
Region 4 Senior Project Specialist Cassie Lawson gave an estimate of what the rates would look like after the increase. She said the average water bill is $39.30 a month and will increase to $41.26 a month. For sewer, the average monthly rate is $21.64 and will increase to $25.26.
The rate increase will go into effect in July of this year.
After the public hearing, council approved the following ordinances:
• providing for monthly billing of rates, charges and fees for sewer services, and providing for increased rates, charges and fees for sewer services for all customers of the municipally owned and operated sewer utility of the Town of Marlinton. The increase is necessary for the payment of system operations and debt service in order to ensure that continuous, safe and adequate sewer service is provided to all sewer customers.
• providing for monthly billing of rates, charges and fees for water services, and providing for increased rates, charges and fees for water services for all customers of the municipally owned and operated water utility of the Town of Marlinton. The increase is necessary for the payment of system operations and debt service in order to ensure that continuous, safe and adequate water service is provided to all water customers.
In other action, council approved:
• a $300 donation to Allegheny Mountain Radio. During the discussion, councilmember Joe Smith reminded council that it agreed to stop giving donations after last year’s request. Council was reminded that AMR is useful to the community, especially during emergencies and when the town needs to get information to residents quickly.
Council agreed that the radio station is an asset to the community and approved the donation.
• to dissolve a lease agreement with Pioneer Days, Inc. for a plot of approximately 10 acres of land in Stillwell Park. The 50-year agreement was made in 1989, and members of the Pioneer Days Association said it no longer needs the land.
Ownership of the plot will revert back to the Town of Marlinton.
Marlinton Town Council meets the first Monday of each month, excluding holidays, at 7 p.m. in the municipal building auditorium. The public is welcome to attend in person or through a Zoom link online.
