Berwick sewerage rates to increase

Residents will see a 50 cent increase in their sewerage rates beginning Oct. 1.
An ordinance approved during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting increases the cost for the first time in seven years.
Town Chief Administrative Officer Newell “Bubba” Slaughter said it’s a “pass-through” increase from the St. Mary Wards 5 and 8 Sewer Commission, which operates the sewerage system in the Town of Berwick.
The increased cost of 50 cents per 1,000 gallons will support maintenance of the system, Slaughter said.
The ordinance states that all water consumption over 3,000 gallons per month will be charged $3.06 per 1,000 gallons.
In other action Tuesday, the council approved an ordinance allowing the St. Mary Levee District to act as the non-federal sponsor for levees in Berwick as recognized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Also Tuesday:
—Mayor Louis Ratcliff announced two budget workshops for July 15 and 22 to discuss spending for the upcoming fiscal year.
—Beverly Domengeaux, director of St. Mary Council on Aging, addressed rumors of the agency’s closing. She said that the agency is not closing, but it is changing. The centers will become senior activity centers where active seniors can participate in crafts, exercise, educational classes and hear civic affairs speeches. Homebound services are not affected. She also asked for voters to approve a state constitutional amendment on the November ballot changing the number of state departments from 20 to 21 to allow for a Department of Aging Services.
—Greg Aucoin, candidate for judge in the 16th Judicial District asked for the council’s support.
—Keep St. Mary Beautiful representative Jacki Ackel said the town hopes to approach businesses in Berwick to sponsor the Berwick landing similar to the adoption of the Marcel Boat Landing in Amelia by Conrad. The company takes care of cleanup, safety issues, painting and beautification as needed, Ackel said. She said if the idea catches on, it could open doors for other areas of town to be adopted.