City Council Approves Water Rate Increase, Purchases New Police Squad Car, Camera System
By Leah Williams
The Nashville City Council approved a 2-percent water rate increase at its regular meeting on Thursday, September 19.
Councilman Josh Fark said the city had not raised its rates in quite some time.
“The reason we are doing this is because for a while we hadn’t raised the water rates,” Fark said. “We have skipped a year and raised it a year.”
The increases are needed as the city looks to spend $100,000 to $200,000 on new meters as well as finish paying for the repainting of the three water towers. The vote also increases the minimum usage amount.
Also under water and sewer news, the city bought a new pump for its pump station located at the Washington County State Lake. Fark said when looking into repairing the equipment, the cost came to $22,109.50, while purchasing a new pump would be about $1,300 difference.
The approved amount for a new pump was for $23,408.40 from C And C Pumps And Supply in Marion.
The Nashville City Council set its trick-or-treat times for Halloween night from 5 to 8 p.m. Councilman Doug Hargan added that the times should “go back to Halloween and be done with it.”
In other news, the city agreed to purchase a new SUV squad car for the police department. The 2020 Ford utility vehicle would be bought through Meier Chevrolet and then taken to the in-state contractor Morrow brothers. The amount for the squad car is for $42,310. The price includes the emergency lighting, sirens, equipment and installation.
What is not included is the radar system, which will be decided if the city decides to keep its 2011 Charger. That decision will be made at a later date.
The city also approved the purchase of an in-car camera system for Police Chief Brian Fletcher’s sedan. Fletcher’s vehicle is currently the only one without a video system installed.
The purchase totaled $4,820 to Watch Guard. The funds to purchase the equipment were to come out of the DUI fund.
Also at the meeting, the council voted to donate $100 toward the BCMW Adopt-A-Family Christmas project.
The council approved a contract with a recovery specialist Jason McKee.
The council approved the Morton Salt quote in anticipation for the inclement winter weather. The price was for 200 tons at $87.61.
Flushing of the hydrants has been delayed from its original Oct. 1 start date. It is expected to commence later in October.
The next council meeting is set for Thursday, Oct. 3.
