MAYVILLE - Water rates in Mayville will increase in five annual steps starting Nov. 1.
Then, from 2013 and ending in 2016, rates will increase again on Aug. 1 of every year for Mayville Water Department customers as the result of the approval of a new price schedule by the Mayville Village Board during a recent meeting.
The new five-year rate structure was unveiled in May as a way to keep the water department in what was termed "a financially responsible condition."
Minimum quarterly charges will be $57.50 for village residents and $86.25 for customers outside of the village starting Nov. 1. Rates the next four years will be $60.25 per quarter rising to $68.50 per quarter for fiscal year 2016-17 for residents and $86.25 rising to $102.75 quarterly for non-residents.
In addition the price of "water tapping and service connection" services was increased. Unlike the water rate, the fees are not scheduled to automatically increase, but do become effective immediately. The water tapping and service charges, according to the resolution approving their increase, "have not been adjusted to properly account for the materials involved with the service provided to new customers."
An example of the new service schedule is $20 per hour for labor with a 45 percent overhead on labor surcharge added, in addition to a 40 percent transportation clearing surcharge on the entire labor cost.
The complete water rate schedule and new charges for service and parts is available at the village office.
Infastructure Hearing
As a result of various objections raised by neighbors of the village baseball facility, a public hearing about proposed additions to the facility's infrastructure was scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Mayor Marty Bova suggested the hearing and the board approved it when public comments from neighbors raised concerns about additional noise, more traffic and possible obstruction of lake views if a structure is built with a public address area on the upper floor.
Part of the reason for the new building would be to strengthen Mayville's chances of becoming a site for youth baseball All-Star games next year, Bova explained.
John Buxton, public works superintendent, told the board new life-guard stations will be added to the beach at Lakeside Park this summer. The new stands will allow a guard to always look toward the water while descending the ladder. In past years lifeguards had to descend with their back to the water, a disadvantage if a swimmer is in distress.
Acting unanimously, board members shot down a resolution to spend $12,000 to install fencing around the playground in Lakeside Park. All members voiced doubts about both the necessity and wisdom of the proposed fence.
"I don't think we need it," said Tye Flurie, board member.
A Ford fire engine, formerly No. 251, and a fire-hose dryer were declared surplus by the board which also approved the sale of both "in the best interests of the village."
Bova said the asking price is $20,000, but "my guess is $10,000 to $15,000 as the actual sale price."