Freeport council votes to soon raise village water rates

By Cornelia Grace Harrison News-Herald Reporter

FREEPORT — Village

Council met on May 10 for its regular monthly meeting. Village Administrator Bill Morrison was not in attendance, but Dan Snyder was able to share some needs with council.

“We need to change the media in the filters,” Snyder said, referring to the water treatment plant. Media is typically layered sand, gravel, and charcoal, which lets water pass through but catches solids. The layers catch debris from the water and is only one part of the water-filtration process.

To learn more about the water filtration process, visit epa. gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water.

Snyder continued, “I’d really like to get some valves replaced before that, in order to not ruin a new media. All it takes is one of those valves failing and you could ruin a whole filter full of media and we don’t want that at all.”

Mayor Larry Wells told Snyder to do what he needed to keep the plant going, “Fix what needs fixing. As long as you don’t go wild. As long as you’re not talking $10,000. …

If it needs changed, it needs changed.”

Snyder wasn’t sure about the overall cost of the media but was confident it would not be a particularly high expense. The last time the media needed change was around 2014. Snyder stressed that the valves should be done first. Wells told him to start with highest priority maintenance and said the plant needs to be put on a schedule to make sure things are being fixed as needed. Council went on to discuss the water-rate increase. “What’s everybody’s thoughts on what we want to do for an increase right now?” Wells asked. One council member urged to increase it to $80 on the recommendation of the RCAP representative at last month’s meeting. Several members were hesitant to make that much of an increase as it could put a major strain on residents. It was decided water bills will be raised from their base rate of $65 to a base rate of $70. Council also decided there will also be a yearly increase beginning every January to account for inflation.

“This is not going to get easier,” Councilman John Koch said. “Eventually this is going to be an expensive town to live in as far as water… compared to what residents are used to.”

Still on the topic of water, Snyder asked “Is there some consequences for someone who turns their water back on after I shut it off?”

He explained there are several residents who have been turning their water back on after it’s shut off by the village. Wells suggested finding a lock for the water shut off. If Snyder can find a reasonably priced lock that will stop residents from being able to access the water once it’s shut off, he will purchase a couple.

Hopedale working on property clean-ups, park now open

By Kristi Tullis Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

HOPEDALE — The Hopedale Council convened on May 17 for its monthly meeting.

Jefferson County suffered a water-line break at Frank’s Bar & Grill which could have resulted in murky tap water. While this was a minor inconvenience, there was no need for a boil alert.

The youth group was available on April 22 and gathered two bags of trash. Due to inclement weather, they were unable to do more. The town appreciates their efforts.

The council held an emergency reading for resolution 2023-04 declaring the necessity of an excess tax of 10-mill limitation for 1.6 mills for a five-year renewal levy for current expenses. This resolution was passed.

In addition, the council approved that Baker’s Road will be paved with funds left from ARPA money and will have a two-week advertisement for bids. Another motion was passed so that DJL Materials and Supply from Akron can provide sealants for road repairs at $0.88 a pound.

Next, the council is continuing to work on property clean-ups. Responses from four properties slated for demolition are still needed.

Concerning the sewer plant, the roof construction was to begin on Monday, May 22. The council also discussed quotes for purchasing two new village trucks. With 55% being covered through the USDA loan, the village will be responsible for 45% of the cost. There is presently a quote for one new utility truck and another estimated at around $170,000. Council members may explore options for additional quotes from further dealerships.

The “Take a book, leave a book” boxes may be purchased instead of having them made. There is a fear of the ability to weatherproof unless purchased specifically with this capability. Options for this will be explored.

It was also announced that the community park is now open. All light fixtures now contain LED lights. There is still a small amount of painting and small repairs to be completed. Two quotes were received from cleaning companies for the old community building. A motion was made that Apollo will provide this service for $3,305 so that the building can then be sold.

Lastly, as a reminder for residents that the Memorial Day parade will begin at noon on Monday, May 29. The line-up will be at the Hopedale Fire Department beginning at 11:30 a.m. There will be a service following at the Hopedale American Legion. All are welcome to attend.