Monroe council moves to spike increases
by Michael DeVault - posted Thursday, January 10th, 2013 @ 12:00 pm

The Monroe City Council could roll back recent increases in the rate the city charges water customers to process sewage.

At a regular meeting Tuesday night, District 1 Councilman Ray Armstrong offered an ordinance to repeal sewer rate increases that were approved by the City Council late last year. The City Council will entertain adoption of the ordinance at its next regular meeting.

City Council Chairman Eddie Clark took issue with language in the ordinance passed last year that institutes automatic sewer rate increases each year. The need for higher sewer rates was not the issue, according to Clark.

"Everyone agrees that there is a need for a sewer rate increase," Clark said.
Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo cautioned the City Council that rescinding the rate increases could trigger findings in the city's annual internal audit. Also, the move would have implications in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice.
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