John Coffelt, Editor

An amendment was presented during the Aug. 5 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting to remove a transfer fee that will soften some of the impact from a series of increases in fees and water rates for the customers of Manchester Water Department.

This second first reading of an ordinance that includes a raise in the water rate by 35% passed after it failed at the July meeting.  This reading passed 4-2 with Aldermen James Threet and Donny Parsley voting no.

If the second reading of the ordinance passes, Manchester Water customers will see an estimated increase of about $16-17 per bill.

Rates will be $14.81 for water and $18.60 for sewer for the first 2,000 gallons, then $7.41 per 1,000 gallons for water and $9.30 per 1,000 gallons for sewer after that up to 98,000 gallons. Customers using over 100,000 will be charged $5.89 per 1,000 gallons for water and $7.41 per 1,000 gallons for sewer.

A 2% increase is included for the next two years.

Increases in Water Department fees include a non-refundable connection fee of $100 for temporary and permanent services and a non-refundable deposit of $150. Returned checks fees are proposed at $50, and the reinstatement fee will be $100.

These increases are necessary, city leaders say, to fund much needed repairs on both fresh water and sewer lines. The Water Department is an independently budgeted department that can only be funded by water rates.

Vice Mayor Mark Messick’s proposed amendment to remove a transfer fee for existing customers that would have been increased from $30 to $100 passed.

The rate increase ordinance will go before the board for a second reading in September.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.