by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington City Council will look into some of its ordinances related to utility bills in coming weeks after complaints were brought to the Council Chambers Tuesday night.

At the final Wellington City Council meeting of 2015, a woman brought her utility bill to the meeting and wondered why she was charged so much for sewer. The woman was charged $15 for water and then $64 for sewer.

It was explained that the reason is for new customers get that charge is because the city uses a three-month average that may or may not reflect the average of that particular house.

Wellington city officials said after three months, new customers bills are reviewed, and they can get a lower rate on sewer and even a refund if the new average is much lower.

It was pointed out at the meeting that this average charge is not spelled out in the contract or on the bill, so new customers may not realize what it is about.

Councilman Jim Valentine took up the case and said he thinks it needs to be revisited.

“Are we doing this to every new renter, every new homeowner?” he asked.

For sewer rates, customers are charged a flat rate of 5,000 gallons as an average until a real average can be established based on water usage. Rain water and other things go into the sewer — so it isn’t possible to have a separate meter for sewer, city officials said.

Another issue that was brought up a few weeks ago, makes it seem that a person could have their utilities shut off if a person living in the house has an overdue bill.

This goes back to 2000, and it does contain that language, though no one could remember it actually happening to anyone.

Mayor Shelley Hansel said the city has a cold weather and hot weather policy that would keep most people from having their utilities shut off in extreme weather.

“This is not good for our city,” Valentine said.

The council agreed to take up both issues at a future worksession.

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Zac Saffell, left, and Mayor Shelley Hansel.

If I were mayor…

Also at the meeting the city announced winners of the “If I were mayor” Essay contest. Zac Saffell, a seventh grader at Wellington Middle School was named the winner. He officially opened the meeting for Mayor Shelley Hansel. He also received a $50 prize and his entry will be entered at the state level. The contest was put on by the Kansas League of Municipalities.

Second place went to Katrina Dvorak ($25), and third went to Jessica Walker ($15). Honorable mention went to Emma Dillon and Olivia Brand, who received gift cards.

Hansel praised all the entries and said what set Saffel apart was his thought of recognizing city employees more for their work. She said many of them wrote some interesting ways to raise money instead of relying on taxes.

In other matters:

•Wellington City Manager Roy Eckert said the city is considering hiring an engineering firm to do its engineering work, instead of having to bid on every job for which they need an engineer. The city has taken some bids from some area firms, and he believes it will save time and money.

•The Council approved a resolution to renew a contract with Unifirst Corp of Wichita for uniforms. The cost will be about $10,000 less than previous years.

• The governing board approved a contract with Verizon to allow them to put antennas on the water tower for $12,000 per year.

•The renewal of a retired employee health care resolution was approved. There are 13 people in this program, and it expires when they reach age 65.

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