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By CINDY MAHAN
Rappahannock Newt Staff Writer
Water rates will be going up in the town of Washington.
At last week’s meeting, Mayor StewartWillis gave the reasons for the rising water rates. An additional loan from FMHA, not in the budget, is being obtained for $75,000, because the original contract for the water system did not include items which are now necessary for the new water system.
These items include chemical testing equipment because much more testing is required than has been in the past. Also, galvanized pipes in the water system have had to be replaced, and some are still being replaced.
Former Mayor Dean Morehouse initiated the application for the FMHA loan. The package includes a loan for $75,000 and a matching grant for $75,000. Mayor Willis said that he signed off on the papers for the loan. When received, it will allow the town to finish replacing galvanized pipe at the south end of Gay Street and on both ends of Main Street.
Because the town’s water system budget does not include enough to make monthly payments for the loan, or to pay for required testing of the new system, water rates must be raised to be able to make those payments.
A condition of the last FMHA loan was that the water rates be
92.0%