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Lanett reviews water rates, purchase volumes and a 2014 meter dispute; city attorney cites Attorney General opinion
Summary
Chief Johnny Allen told the June 3 Lanett work session that the city charges $14.25 for the first 2,000 gallons and $5.01 per 1,000 gallons after that, that the city pays $1.94 per thousand to the water authority and purchases about 42,500,000 gallons monthly; a past private-property meter issue from 2014 was discussed and an Attorney General opinion noted that the city is not obligated to repair private property.
Chief Johnny Allen reviewed Lanett's water rates and related costs at the June 3 work session. "Lanett is charging 14.25 for the first 2000 gallons and $5.01 per 1000 gallons of water over this amount," Allen said. He added the city pays the water authority $1.94 per thousand and purchases an average of 42,500,000 gallons of water per month. Allen noted that Lanett's rates are lower than surrounding entities and cited East Alabama district's rate of $6.75 as a comparison.
Councilmember Tifton Dobbs recounted a 2014 incident involving tenants of a building on First Street who reported the water was off; city staff found a collapsed side road and five meters removed, leaving the building without service. City Attorney Stanley Gray told the council that a previously requested Attorney General opinion said the city is not obligated to make repairs on private property but may do so at the city's discretion after assessing a claim.
Councilmember Thomas urged the council to "use extreme care in handling this case," and no formal repair action or vote was recorded during the work session. The discussion did not propose an immediate rate change; officials framed the review as informational and as context for ongoing operational and billing issues.
The meeting adjourned at 5:54 P.M.
