South Point council approves tap-fee increases, fire department appropriation; hears broadband and nuisance complaints

The South Point Village Council on May 5 approved a package of fiscal and operational items, including increases to sewer and water tap fees and an appropriation to the fire department, and heard public comment on broadband access and code-enforcement concerns.

Tap fees and ordinances: Council suspended the three-reading rule and unanimously adopted Ordinance 2612 to raise sewer tap fees and Ordinance 2613 to raise water tap fees after staff said current charges are below the village’s cost. Staff reported the current sewer tap fee is $2,250 and presented a proposed new sewer fee of $2,400; staff proposed a new water tap fee of $2,000. Council directed public works and fiscal staff to update billing systems and publish the new fee schedule.

Fire department appropriation: The council suspended the three-reading rule and adopted Ordinance 2614, amending appropriation Ordinance 2519 to provide additional funds for fire department supplies and fuel. The fire chief reported multiple recent calls and requested the appropriation to ensure equipment and operations needs are met.

Broadband public comment: Resident Matt Knight returned during public comment to press the council to pursue better internet options for the mobile home park. He said county broadband funds are being aimed at "unserved" addresses and asked whether the county would support an open-access broadband infrastructure project backed by grants and provider access fees rather than general-fund spending. The mayor and other council members said they would follow up with county officials.

Nuisance properties and enforcement: Council heard detailed reports from code enforcement and staff about multiple nuisance and dumping sites, including an individual property where debris accumulated while the homeowner was hospitalized. Staff and council discussed ordinance language that currently allows tarps to mask violations and asked staff to draft amendments that would close that loophole and clarify authority to clean properties and seek reimbursement.

Other business: Council reviewed a first draft of the three-year trash collection bid package (Republic and at least two other firms have expressed interest), received updates on water and sewer volumes, and approved monthly transfers and the clerk-treasurer report. The meeting concluded with the council moving into executive session to discuss imminent legal action.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2612 (sewer tap fees) — adopted (unanimous). Ordinance 2613 (water tap fees) — adopted (unanimous). Ordinance 2614 (appropriation amendment for fire department) — adopted (unanimous). Transfers and clerk-treasurer report — approved (unanimous).