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The minimum monthly water rate had been $4.45. “I don’t see water as something to be provided, but as something that people who use it should pay for,” Kramer said.
Council member Bill Wickens said that he did not fully agree with that statement. He said that the increase in rates would be substantial for people in the middle use category, some of whom are on fixed incomes. “Maybe we could have a temporary tax to supplement the water system’s funds so that the whole burden won’t be on the users,” Wickens said. “The water bills are not inexpensive here.” He suggested that a restaurant tax, or a tax on the meals that a customer would pay, be considered.
“I agree that something like that should be considered, but not to supplement the water system’s funds,” Fisher said. “There are things the town needs as well.” Kramer said that he doubted that people could provide water for themselves at the same cost as the town’s rates. “Our charge is not exorbitant, and I don’t believe that government services include water,” Kramer said.
Wickens said that he did see water as more of a government service. “The question is, do you want to make people on social security pay for the new system or put in a restaurant tax and have people who eat out and travelers pay for it,” Wickens said. “I’m not advocating the restaurant tax, but it is one option.”
Kramer said that the water system’s needs and the possible restaurant tax should be kept separate. “If you want to leave the rates alone, that’s fine,” Kramer said. “I don’t want to throw the restaurant tax into the thinking on the water system at this point.” He reminded Wickens that $1,200 had to be borrowed last month to pay some of the water system’s bills.
Fisher said that an undetermined amount of water is being lost due to leaks in the pipes. Miller said that the galvanized pipes have leaking problems. “We should identify where the galvanized pipes are, find the most critical area and repair that area,”
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