shanson@timesleaderonline.com
BELLAIRE Residents will pay more for water starting this month after Bellaire Village Council approved a rate increase ordinance.
In a 5-1 vote Thursday, a majority of council members approved increasing the water rates incrementally each year for the next five years. Village officials have said the increase was needed to help secure a loan and grant for installation of two new air strippers at the water treatment plant.
Voting in favor of the increase were Council members Mike Doyle, Jerry Olack, Jerry Fisher, Donny Maupin and Elizabeth Dugmore. Councilwoman Nikki Liberatore opposed the measure.
Liberatore said Tuesday that she understands why the increase was necessary, but she does not agree with it.