CF council proposes water rate hikes

CLARK FORK — The City Council is proposing a rate increase in water rates for the first time in five years.

They’ll be putting it in front of the population at a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 at city hall.

Council member Russ Schenck reviewed the resolution for the changes in base water usage charges at the January meeting.

There will be no increase in the user charge of $1.36 per 1,000 gallons, but the base rate for residential use will go up to $17.79 per month from $10.17 per month.

According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an average family of four will use 400 gallons of water each day.

Using that figure the average household will see their rates change from approximately $26 per month to $34 per month.

Clark Fork residents are billed quarterly.

Commercial rates are increased commensurately. A business with a 3/4-inch meter will pay $24.22 in base rates, up from $13.84; a 1-inch meter will go from $18.32 to $32.06; a 2-inch meter will change from $50 to $87.50, while three and four inch meters will rise from $125 to $218.75.

Most other fees will remain the same with the exception of water taken from fire hydrants for purposes other than use by the fire department.

“This rate doesn’t get used too often,” Mayor Jeff Jeffers told council. “It’s usually the state or county that needs the water.”

Authorities agreed that a slight increase from $10 per 1,000 gallons to $12 per 1,000 gallons was appropriate in the event that a hydrant isn’t opened and/or closed properly.

In other council business, officials approved an ordinance creating a Parks and Recreation Commission. This commission will act in an advisory capacity to the mayor and the city to create recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and interests.

Jeffers proposed seven members for the commission to be Corey Vogel, Kasi Snider, Nora Kair, Steve Spanski, Mike Norton, Tracey Brannam and Robert Hays.

These individuals will serve on the commission for two years.

They will be responsible for holding regular meetings to advise the city regarding usage and improvements needed at public parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and other activities on city properties.

With consent of the council this commission can also seek private funding or in-kind services for parks and recreational purposes.

And finally, Jeffers welcomed the two new city council members, Harold Hilton and Don Smith and praised retiring officials Jim Junget and Tom Shields.

“Thank you,” Jeffers said as he gave Junget and Shields each a certificate of appreciation.

“The city of Clark Fork appreciates your time serving our community.”