City mulls water rate hike, pay cuts

Increased water rates to customers and a pay cut to employees are on the table when the Franklin City Council members meet Tuesday in regular session for December.
An ordinance is up for introduction changing established water rates to city customers.
Under the new rate schedule, customers will pay $7 per 1,000 gallons. The new ordinance would eliminate the long-standing, graduated rates per usage.
The rate will be adjusted annually beginning in January 2017 and every January thereafter. This ordinance, if approved in January, applies to 2016.
The existing rate is:
GALLONS COST
0 - 2,999 10.00
3,000 - 3,999 14.50
4,000 - 4,999 19.00
5,000 - 5,999 23.50
6,000 - 6,999 28.00
A resolution is also up for adoption cutting the salaries of and hourly rates of city employees including charter appointed positions.
The resolution calls for a 5 percent across-the-board salary and hourly pay cut. It would be in effect Feb. 1 if passed.
Rock-bottom prices per barrel of oil have crimped local government revenues, as was highlighted in an article in the Banner-Tribune last week.
Up for adoption is an ordinance amending the city code regarding construction of tombs and crypts in the cemetery.
Also Tuesday, winners of the Christmas on the Bayou Golf Cart Decorating contest will be revealed.
Guest Johnny Clark is slated to address the council on the “First Team Men’s Basketball League.”
There is a resolution for a grant application to La. DOTD.
The council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall on Iberia Street.