Baldwin moves to raise water rates

Baldwin will raise water rates in response to the terms of its bond issue agreement that paid for construction of the new water plant.
Mayor Wayne Breaux said Thursday that the state legislative auditor cited the town because water rates are too low to meet requirements the town agreed to when the bond funding was approved.
The town’s water, gas and sewer income all cover pay expenses at the water system, but does not generate enough to create $30,000 contingency fund and a $94,000 in a reserve fund as required.
Baldwin has historically tried to keep utility rates low for its customers.
Breaux found, after researching water rates in nearby municipalities, that Baldwin’s rates are far below its neighbors.
The new rate is $9 for the first 2,000 gallons, $4 per 1,000 gallons for 2,000-20,000 and $3.75 above 20,000. “The only thing we’re doing is there’s one more drop-down after 20,000 that is at $3.50,” which is being eliminated, Breaux said.
For natural gas, the $7 minimum was raised to $9, and sewer rate minimum was also raised from $7 to $9.
“We know we have people who have trouble paying bills,” Breaux said. “That’s another thing the auditor hit us on, but people need to know that if they don’t pay their bills it’s going to be turned off.”
The board of alderman approved introduction of that ordinance.
Also Thursday, resident Fran Viator complained that the city shouldn’t be cutting grass for residents who do not tend to their properties.
Viator asked if those persons will be billed on their tax bill.
Legal counsel Joseph Tabb said the town has to go through a lengthy legal notification process before crews go in to cut grass.
Viator claims she’s heard people say they don’t have to cut grass because the town will do it for them.
Breaux said that was not the case, and that the legal process must be followed.
Alderwoman Margaret Coleman, chairman of the Baldwin Beautification Committee, noted that her volunteers have done excellent work since the committee was established.
But Coleman said she believes she has been targeted by unknown persons for attempting to clean up the town. She said far more trash has been thrown on her property since the initiative began.
She said she’s also seen large increases in litter in certain areas of town.
It was suggested to Coleman that the increase might be due to school being out for summer vacation, but Coleman insisted adults were responsible.
In other business:
—Breaux said right of way work is still incomplete for the Bayou Choupique flood protection project.
—Two houses have been chosen for renovation in the Branch Street project.
—The town is still awaiting federal approval for location of the fire substation beneath the U.S. 90 overpass at Martin Luther King Street.
—Overlay of streets in the Choupique area has been completed.
—Driveway work at the Fire Station has been completed.