The Albion City Council met in special session Monday night, addressing several matters including a proposed water rate increase, a new emergency dispatching contract, insurance reimbursement for a destroyed police squad car, and maintenance of city water wells.
Council members met with representatives of the Ellery Water Corporation to discuss a future water rate increase in preparation for the city’s new water treatment plant, which is expected to go online sometime next year.
During the discussion, the council asked Ellery Water representatives whether they would prefer the increase to be implemented gradually in increments or as a single adjustment. Representatives indicated that a one-time, lump-sum rate increase would be acceptable. No specific rate increase was announced during the discussion.
In other business, the council approved a new contract for emergency dispatching services covering police, fire, and first responders. The city’s current dispatching cost of $2,875 per month will increase to $3,333 per month beginning in January.
The council also received an update on the insurance settlement involving a city police squad car recently destroyed by fire. So far, the city’s insurance provider has paid $40,000 for the vehicle and another $18,000 for equipment and contents lost in the fire, bringing the total reimbursement to $58,000.
Officials indicated the settlement figures are not yet final, with the possibility of receiving an additional $2,000 for other contents lost in the incident.
Council members also discussed the city’s proposed tax levy for the upcoming tax cycle, which could increase by 29.11 percent. The proposed increase is largely attributed to rising insurance expenses, including a $36,000 increase in premiums over the past year.
The council also considered maintenance work on city water wells Number 3 and Number 5. Both wells are in need of acidizing and cleaning to maintain their operation and efficiency.
A motion was made to authorize the work at a total cost of $34,705 for both wells.