Wellington City Council passes ordinance to restructure water rates
by Devin McCue, Summer Newscow — The Wellington City Council met last week for a quick session.
The council passed an ordinance that will affect your utility bills next year by changing your water rate. According to the City, Wellington bills at a lower rate than neighboring communities and proposed changing the current payment structure.
Firstly, they proposed to remove the current inclusion of 2,000 gallons of water in the base rate and charge the approved rate per 1,000 gallons for all water consumed. Then, charge a $15.85 monthly rate, plus $5.92/thousand gallon. On top of bringing in a little more money, the City hopes this will cut down on wasted water and ensure people pay for the water they use.
The council unanimously passed a resolution that will brighten up the town in years to come. The City is out of stock on 35-feet, 40-feet, and 45-feet poles for streetlights and other structures around town. They replenish that stock every few years, and this year is no different.
They received three responses from vendors, and Bridgewell Resources out of Tigard, Oregon, came in lowest at $49,096.53, which they’ll pay out of the Electric Distribution Standard Operating Budget.
Finally, the Council approved a street closure on December 9 – Washington, 4th to 8th Street; 3:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. for Wellington’s Christmas Celebration Parade. The event was organized by the Chamber of Commerce, and the Council passed the request unanimously.
