RIPLEY — At its meeting this month, Town of Ripley council members approved amended water and sewer rate resolutions to reflect an increase in both.

Residents in the town’s water districts 1, 2 and 5 will see an increase from $7 per 1,000 gallons to $10.65 per 1,000 gallons. The rate for out-of-district water users will remain at $20 per 1,000 gallons.

Additionally, residents in sewer districts 1 and 2 will see a rate increase from $5.71 per 1,000 gallons to $7.60 per 1,000 gallons.

The council also approved a resolution to maintain the late penalty fee of 5% on all bills past 30 days. They also approved a 5% annual fee on all unpaid bills, to be applied prior to the re-levy process.

Ripley Supervisor Laura K. Pless said the increases are a direct result of the town’s increased overall expenses. “Just like our residents are experiencing increased prices on a daily basis, the same is true for the Town,” she said. “In order to meet our annual expenses, it was necessary to raise water and sewer rates. This decision was not made lightly and we hope that our Ripley residents understand our decision.”

In a related matter, board member Jeffrey Lyon reported the weekly maintenance for the sewer and water plants has been completed and all of the state required samplings for the sewer and water plant have been fulfilled. Flows from the water and sewer plants were both within state permit levels, he said.

Town clerk Ryleigh Enterline reported that the new mass texting system is in place. Residents who have not received a service agreement form, may pick one up at the clerk’s office or obtain one from the town’s website.

Pless said the new system will provide better communication for the Town. “We are very excited to implement a mass texting system for the Town,” she said. “This will allow us to keep people better informed about the various town activities and/or potential emergencies.”

The Text Messaging Service Agreement authorizes the Town of Ripley to send communications from the clerk’s office, from the water and sewer department, or from both. Individuals may cancel at any time by texting the word “STOP” to the messaging system.

Prior to the meeting, the council held a brief public hearing regarding the construction of three RV spots at Love’s Travel Stop on Shortman Road. Love’s representative Eric Hoagland gave a brief overview of the project.

In other business, Highway Supervisor Jason Jones reported the bulk tank that failed the DEC inspection because of years of neglect has been repaired, and the Town is now in compliance.

Jones also reported that on some of the large items that have been purchased by the Highway Department this past year. These include a pressure washer, a flail mower for the New Holland tractor, a new chain saw, and a new pole saw for clearing overhead vegetation.

In another matter, the Town of Ripley accepted applications for a Part Time Assessor. The position requires that candidates have state Office of Real Property Tax credentials or be able to be certified by the office within six months.