The City Commission approved on Monday increases of 50 cents a month for the base rates and 3 percent on the volume-based usage charges. The price hike will go into effect Jan. 1.
Those using six units of water — the average for most families — will see their total monthly water and sewer bill rise to $53 from $51.10.
Charges for service vary according to location, but City Manager John Bennett said water rates are similar for customers within and outside the city limits.
Residents in the unincorporated area pay significantly higher rates for sewer, but Bennett said their charges are being increased only by the same dollar-amount as comparable city customers, instead of by a percentage of their bills.
“We’re bringing the rates closer each year,” he said.
The City Commission also heard from Deputy Police Chief Lonzo Roberson, who is retiring Dec. 21 after more than 40 years of service, and issued a proclamation honoring U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta, who represented Floyd County in Congress for a decade.
Gingrey’s nine-county 11th District will drop to four counties under the new voting maps that go into effect in January.U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, will represent Floyd and the new Northwest Georgia 14th District.
“I want make sure you know that you have two members of Congress now,” Gingrey said, promising to continue looking out for local interests.
Roberson addressed the commissioners in caucus, accompanied by his sons, Capt. Dave Roberson of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Rome-Floyd County Fire Capt. Brad Roberson.
“You and the citizens of this community have helped me raise a good family,” he said in thanks.
Commissioners also held a public hearing on the proposed 2013 budgets, although no citizens weighed in. The document is slated for adoption at Monday’s meeting.
No property tax increase is planned, but Bennett said the budget includes $50,000 in projected revenue from a local excise tax on energy used in manufacturing.
The Georgia General Assembly is phasing out the energy tax over four years, but local governments may opt to re-impose their share. Rome and Floyd County officials have not yet made a decision, but the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce is urging against it.
Again, non-city residents, your rates just went up based on a City Commission vote. Those are not your representatives, but that is your money.