Security deposits now a requirement for service

Two ordinances were passed at the Ironton City Council on Thursday.

One was Ordinance 19-09, which updates the rules and regulations for using city water service. The ordinance had gotten a favorable recommendation from the council’s Finance Committee and it was passed after second and third reading.

Water service now requires a $200 security fee for renters, with the money being returned when service is ended and the bill is current. Homeowners would pay $125, which could be returned after 12 months of service and if the utility bills are paid on time.

Currently, all rental and homeowners pay a $100 non-refundable payment to the Water Department for the installation and/or new service for utilities, including water, sewer and sanitation.

It also set the fees for water tap, which is $1,200 for meter size of 5/8 by 3/4 inch, with that fee going up $200. It also sets a fee of $1,500 for a 1 inch and $1,500 for a tap over 1 plus material and labor costs. Those two fees would increase by $300.

The ordinance allows water service to be shut off after 30 days of the bill not being paid.

The other ordinance was adopting an amended city budget.

Two other ordinances got first readings.

That included Ordinance 19-13, which will authorize the creation and registration of a revitalization district for downtown Ironton.

The purpose of the revitalization district is help communities establish an area for entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, cultural and arts opportunities and to help those businesses grow.

Also getting first reading was Ordinance 19-13, which will establish a penalty for failing to pay various city fees and to make not paying the municipal, economic development, flood, fire, administrative, municipal or storm water fee a misdemeanor of the fourth-degree.

A Public Utility Committee meeting was called for at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday to discuss storm fee and water contracts.

Council meetings are held on the third floor of the City Center in council chambers.