City passes budget; holds off water/sewer increase for summer
by Amanda Polaski– Staff Writer
A public hearing regarding the proposed budget for the fiscal year of 2007-08 did not bring any citizens before the Rogers City council Monday morning, but passing the budget still took some compromise. At the May 7 meeting, city manager Mark Slown proposed the city council consider an increase in cost for water and sewer to Rogers City residents, and it was this topic that held up the budget from passing Monday ? if only momentarily.
COUNCILMAN GARY Nowak said he did not approve of the proposed increase to water and sewer, stating it would put financial pressure on some citizens. He also noted that an immediate increase would force some residents to hold back on water usage. Slown proposed the city increase the water cost 40 cents for every 100 cubic feet, and a 25-cent increase in sewer cost for every 100 cubic feet. An average Rogers City customer is paying $21.60 per month for sewer, and $13.80 per month for water. The increase would add approximately $4 per month to the average household cost ? increasing sewer $1.50 per month, and water $2.40 per month.
The increase is needed due to a continuous drop in the fund balance. Since 2005-06, the city has had to take from the general fund in order to balance its budget at the end of the fiscal year. Even with the rate increase, Slown said he foresees this action having to continue. Councilwoman Deb Greene said whether the city approved an increase in water and sewer rates or not, the issue was a ?no-win situation.? Council unanimously agreed to pass the budget for the next fiscal year with the exception that water and sewer rate increases would not begin until September, giving RC residents a break during the months when water is most used.
IN OTHER city council news:
? A moment of silence was honorably given in memory of councilman Jim Sinclair who passed away May 12. A letter from Harper Woods city manager James Leidlein was shared with council members. Leidlein said it had been an honor to work alongside Sinclair in the Michigan Municipal League.
? City manager Slown reported the Brooks Smokehouse & Spirits restaurant to be located on Third Street downtown RC is continuously moving forward with renovations. He said two other site plans have been received for new businesses, including a church to be located on M-68, as well as business expansion and a change of management to BC Pizza on US-23.
? Mayor Beach Hall appointed Dick Peacock to the Harbor Advisory Committee for a three-year term.
? Due to the inability to hire a new superintendent for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, city council approved to retain the services of former superintendent Dave McGlone until a replacement can be hired in.
? Council approved to increase the pump-out fee at the Rogers City Marina from $5 to $10, as recommended by the Harbor Advisory Committee.
? Council approved several re
? Council also approved the 22nd Annual Salmon Tournament, sponsored by the Presque Isle County Tourism Council. The tournament is scheduled for August 8-12. The ?Ladies Classic? tournament is Thursday, August 9 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
? Council approved a five-year lease agreement with Laurel Gikas who operates the Lakeside Pavilion Grille.