Staff Writer
T-L File Photo
St. Clairsville Councilman Perry Basile, left, speaks with Council President Jim Velas in a past meeting. Last week, numerous utility issues were discussed.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The city is addressing fees and funding questions surrounding utilities and planned water upgrades.
During last week’s council teleconference meeting, Councilwoman Terra Butler, a member of the utility committee, said an ordinance will be put before the council next month pertaining to shutting off water services and applying a monthly fee.
“There’s a policy in place now, if we shut water off, if somebody goes to vacation over the winter … it’s a $50 turn-on and a $50 turn-off, and then they’re charged the monthly minimum amount even though they weren’t using any water,” Safety and Service Director Jeremy Greenwood said afterward, adding the city must balance its needs and expenses with fairness to the residents. “We’re kind of looking at that, seeing if there’s a better way than charging people minimums even though they’re not using the resource. There are fees and costs associated with this, even if somebody’s not pulling water. Even having the connections to our system, that costs fees, and our meters. Everything costs money.