Proctorville’s water rates set to increase

PROCTORVILLE— In a joint meeting, of sorts, between the Proctorville Village Council and the Lawrence County Commission Thursday evening at Proctorville Village Hall, measures were passed ensuring upgrades to the village’s water plant.

Proctorville Mayor Rick Dunfee said the water plant is in bad shape and in desperate need of work. However, he added that the village does not have the funds for the needed repairs and upgrades, and asked the commission for some assistance.

The total cost of the project is around $13,725, and the county commission agreed to front the money to the village in full so the work can be completed. The total cost is being split up in thirds, with the commission paying 1/3, the Union Township Trustees agreeing to pay 1/3 and the village paying the county back its 1/3 over time with payments still to be determined.

As part of the measure, the Proctorville Village Council also passed a resolution to increase its current water rates, which will go toward maintenance of the water plant.

Beginning July 1, residents will have a minimum charge of $26.50 for the first 1,200 gallons of water used, which was previously $26 for the first 1,500 gallons used. In addition, all water used in excess of 1,000 gallons has increased to $9.50, up $1, for each additional 1,000 gallons used. Base rates will also automatically increase 50 cents annually until 2023.

Commissioner DeAnna Holliday said that although the decision to increase the village’s water rates is something that is difficult to do, she was glad the council did so.

“I want to commend the board on their decision tonight,” Holliday said. “These decisions are tough and not popular, but they are necessary.”

The resolution was declared an emergency, with Mayor Dunfee saying the water plant problem can’t go on any longer in its current state, as well as the issue being  “kicked down the road.”

The village council will also address the water rates again in the near future in regards to rates for businesses in the village.

In other action from the county commission portion of the meeting, the commission:

• Approved one new floodplain permit and four floodplain permit renewals.

• Received and filed the Dog Warden Report dated June 2, 2018.

• Approved two appropriations.

• Approved eight transfer funds.

• Approved and signed the 2019 Local Participating Funds Resolution for OVRDC in the amount of $10,845.

• Approved and signed Realignment of Funds Amendment form for the  Department of Youth Services for fiscal year 2018 Care and Custody.

• Approved and signed the Revised Lawrence County Subdivision Regulations, as requested by Kim Carrico, urban/education specialist, soil and water.

• Approved and signed the contract with Courtview for “e-filing” with the Clerk of Courts, as requested by Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Andy Ballard.