The Jefferson city council at its May 12 meeting approved increases to a pair of costs residents see on their city services bill, most commonly referred to as a water bill.
The council approved a 2 percent increase to the “retail” rate of water. The base fee, which includes 134 cubic feet of water, will increase from $13.72 to $14. Every household is charged at least the base amount, even if no water is used. Additionally, the cost for each 100 cu ft beyond the base amount will increase from 48.61 to $8.78. The base fee for 5,000 gallons (668 cu ft) will increase from $59.70 to $60.89.
The cost of trash pick-up is also increasing due to a 53 percent increase in tipping fees at the Metro Park West landfill effective July 1. The increase amounts to more than $50,000 annually. The “landfill fee” line item on the city services/utility bill will increase from $3.50 to $6.10 per month.
The rates for pick-up of large items are also increasing and will be as follows: oversized sectionals, large couches, and other large furniture items, $20; mattress and/or box spring, $10 each piece; loose bags of trash on the ground, $5 each; each garbage truck hopper or part thereof, $30 (is currently $10).
The new rates will be effective July 1, with residents/customers seeing the increases on the bill they receive the first of August.
The city has finally hired a water superintendent after months of paying an outside contractor to provide the services needed for state compliance. Jonathan Koch has accepted the job, effective July 1. The salary needed to hire someone in that position is $90,000. The council approved his hiring at that salary. The council also approved reimbursement of up to $2,000 for his moving expenses.
The council also increased the salaries of other department heads, bringing those salaries closer to the average market value of those positions. Increases are as follows: wastewater superintendent, from $77,962 to $90,000; streets superintendent, from $77,921 to $85,000; and public works director, from $93,490 to $102,000.
Building/zoning officer Chad Stevens has completed his building inspector certification. His salary was increased to $75,818.
