Council passes sewer rate exemptions

BY MARCELLE HANEMANN
The Daily News
Published/Last Modified on Friday, June 19, 2009 8:59 AM CDT


With almost no discussion in a meeting that went on for two hours, the Bogalusa City Council Tuesday passed an ordinance that provides exemptions for water and sewer rates for low income households.

Households with a total annual income of $9,500 or less will receive an exemption of 50 percent of the water and sewer rates. And those with a total income of $9,501 to $11,500 will get a 25 percent exemption.

The action, which was actually on an amendment to the existing ordinance, was prompted by council passage early this month of an ordinance to increase sewer rates to 95 percent of water rates. The rate change goes into effect July 1.

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On Tuesday the council also introduced an ordinance to accept the low bid and authorize Mayor Mack McGehee to enter into a contract with Barriere Construction to overlay Willis Avenue from Columbia Street to the railroad trestle at a cost of $299,655.

The overlay was necessitated after Temple Inland tore up the street last year to install an underground wall and trench to prevent seepage of lime, a powdered chemical used commonly in the papermaking process, into groundwater or the nearby Bogue Lusa Creek.

City Administrator Jerry Bailey said Tuesday that the “mill” will pay for the work, but asked the city to pass the ordinance.

A public hearing on the proposal will be held at the July 7 council meeting.

Copyright © 2010 Daily News

Comments

    Pastor Stokes wrote on Jun 25, 2009 11:31 AM:

    " The churches have been exempt from paying these bills. Until recently. We recieved a notice with no discussion about the $51.90 being sent to us monthly. I don't mind paying my part. But we are a church which takes in very little money. We may have half a can of trash once a month and barely use the water or sewage. So, why should our cost be so high? Churches that have parsonages and offices where people are employed made need these facilities. we are in the church 8 times amonth.Notfair. "

    disgusted wrote on Jun 20, 2009 12:04 AM:

    " Why does mack have to enter into the contract if Temple Inland is going to foot the bill. Somebody better watch the contract,and READ the contract,other than Mack and TEMPLE INLAND. When its all said and done the city will eventually be paying for the reconstruction. And just a note Idon't think any of us should have our sewage rate raised I think we all should pay for what we use. I work to I still receive a an exemption but I am still mad because I don't want to pay a rate our officials decide we pay "

    Just Me wrote on Jun 19, 2009 2:49 PM:

    " Another case of descrimination against those of use who don't mind working two or three jobs to provide a living for our families, yet if you goof off in school, so you can only get a minimum wage job, and only work one job (or no job at all) you get a break.. No wonder those who can afford to are leaving Bogalusa "

    scott_m wrote on Jun 19, 2009 10:59 AM:

    " "Households with a total annual income of $9,500 or less will receive an exemption of 50 percent of the water and sewer rates. And those with a total income of $9,501 to $11,500 will get a 25 percent exemption."

    Households with that level of income are impoverished and should be exempted from paying any water and sewer rates at all. If they can't pay, will the city turn off their water? What will be public health consequences of that action? "

    Edmond P. Chandler wrote on Jun 19, 2009 9:08 AM:

    " ... I hope to see you folks at the July 7th meeting. BEFORE we allow the Mayor/City Council to access ADDITIONAL fees on us, let's make sure that the present monies are being spent wisely ... It is MY OPINION that the money being spent now is being mismanaged! TRIM THE FAT FIRST, City Hall! If you cannot manage the money you now have, why should we give you MORE money and MORE debt for us? "

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