Raising water usage rates in 2011 was focused of the Littlefork City Council meeting Thursday.
City Clerk Mike Fairchild explained that during an earlier budget hearing, it was determined that the city is facing a $5,000 to $6,000 loss on water rates. This brought some concern among counselors. After considering the problem, the council is proposing that city water rates be raised from $16 per month for the minimum of the first 1,000 gallons of water used to $18 per month.
“This $2 increase could put us back to where we need to be,” Fairchild explained.
He went on to note that monthly sewer rates will stay the same at $12 per month.
A public hearing, where more information about the proposal to raise rates will be provided, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at City Hall.
The council also discussed Thursday the possibility of raising rental fee rates for use of the Littlefork Community Building.
The rates stand at $25 for four hours with a deposit of $50. The city council is proposing that the rental fee increase to $50 for four hours, plus the deposit. The fee to rent the building all day would rise from $50 to $100, both including a $50 deposit. Rates for renting the building for a wedding would increase from $135 to $200. No deposit is required for wedding rentals.
This proposal is also expected to be discussed further at the Jan. 18 public hearing.
The council approved an employee cost of living allowance. Fairchild explained that there would be a 2.5-percent increase on all city employee’s current salary and a 3-percent increase on their base salary.
The council discussed at length the possibility of renovating the Littlefork Municipal Liquor Store. Renovations would be concentrated on the off-sale portion of the building with the possibility of turning it into more of a self-serve facility.
Fairchild said no specific action on the renovations was taken Thursday, however, it is a topic the council will focus on in the future.
