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New Market council approves final-year water and sewer rate increase to fund new tank
Summary
On June 15 the New Market Town Council approved Ordinance #145, a 5-1 vote raising in-town and out-of-town water and sewer rates for the second and final year of larger increases needed to finance a new water tank. Council acknowledged resident hardship but said the financing plan predates current council members.
The New Market Town Council voted 5-1 on June 15 to approve Ordinance #145, imposing increases in both in-town and out-of-town water and sewer rates to support financing for a new water tank.
Resident Ashley Kuehler, a local flower farmer and agriculture teacher, told the council the bills are straining young families and urged officials to consider impacts on households. "She urged the council to consider the effects of future rate increases on families like hers," the minutes record. Council members acknowledged the concern but said the project and its financing plan predate much of the current staff and council.
Planning and public-works staff described the rate increase as the second and final year of larger adjustments before the town returns to smaller routine increases. Public Works Superintendent JD Fadley reported the water tank project is proceeding, with footers and the slab scheduled to be poured within the week and most tank components already on site, and that completion is targeted by the end of the year.
The ordinance passed on a 5-1 roll-call vote: Scott Wymer, Bob King, Janice Hannah, Harry Wine and Jon Henry voted aye; Buz Menhardt voted nay; Mayor Peter Hughes was absent. Council and staff repeatedly framed the vote as necessary to secure the loan and complete the tank project, while recognizing the financial pressure on out-of-town ratepayers.
