Flora Town Council decided Monday night to phase in the town's 27.61 percent water rate increase over the next four years.

The largest increase will be the first year at 9.31%. Each of the following three years the rate will increase by 6.1%.

Based on an average use of 5,000 gallons, the current charge is $25.57. With the 9.1% increase, the charge on 5,000 gallons will be $28, an increase of $2.43. After the full increase is implemented, residents will see a $7.08 increase on usage of 5,000 gallons.

The last increase was ten years ago and with no money to do needed water projects, the town is left with no other choice than to raise the rate, said Council president Josh Ayres.

Water projects that need immediate attention are replacing filters, inspecting water towers, and overhauling the pump.

Councilman David Albaugh pointed out that area cities have gradually been increasing their water rates yearly to cover their water projects and repairs.

"It should ease everyone's pain by easing in the increase gradually," added Ayres.

The water rate study was done by Umbaugh & Associates. A public hearing will be held at a later time on the rate increase.

Capital Improvement Plan

Rules were suspended and a five-year Capital Improvement Plan was adopted. Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman said for the town to receive Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds, the town must have a Capital Improvement Plan for a minimum of two years.

Councilman Vince Seward suggested that the plan also include infrastructure improvements.

The plan was adopted to include sidewalks, curbs and walkways and infrastructure improvements as needed for extension and development.

Salary ordinance

The council established a new salary ordinance for all employees and personnel of the town effective the first pay period in January 2009.

"This is one of the hardest things we do," said Ayres. "We don't take this responsibility lightly."

The council and clerk-treasurer will for the second year have no raise. All other personnel will receive an increase averaging two percent.

Funding was added for a grant administrator.

Police Dept.

The department will be at the school stopping traffic both before and after school to help alleviate congestion.

Motorists are reminded to watch for stop arms on buses.

Activity statistics for July include: 11 arrests/misdemeanors, 3 felonies, 21 citations, 2 parking violations, 47 warnings, 146 calls for service, 4 accidents, and 1 warrant service.

Other business

The council discussed a proposal by American Legal to codify town ordinances. The cost will be $5,995 and can be spread over two years.

The town's ordinances have been scanned and put on a CD, but have not been updated since then.

The council agreed to Albaugh's suggestion to wait until the end of the year to see if there is any available funding to codify the ordinances.

The council wants to hear feedback from the community on whether or not to purchase an aerial photograph of the town to hang in the town hall. Cost is $429 for a 20"x30" photo or $529 for a 30"x40" photo. Aerial photos may be viewed at the town office.

Six building permits were issued by the Plan Commission in July: Steve and Barb Wickersham, concrete foundation for new addition (food packaging); Margaret Schenck, front steps and fence; Kevin and Lori Jacobs, deck and storage shed; Joe Roberson, addition; and Matt McIntosh, new shed.

The wastewater department was given approval to purchase a new grinder at a cost of $15,859 (includes trade-in) from Precision Power.

Needed resurfacing of Monroe Street was approved.

Flora Cablevision Program Director Vickie Wolf announced that two new cameras are being purchased at a cost of $1,327 each.

Tinsman reminded her that those purchases may put them over their budget for the year.

Ayres thanked town employees for the two and half days they spent readying the park for the 4-H Fair.

"We never have to tell them to do it, they just take care of it," said Ayres.

A public budget hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 18. The next regular meeting will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 8.