The Herald-News - News Story

Despite an outpouring of concerns from citizens, the Spring City Commission voted Thursday to raise water rates by 20 percent.

A public hearing was held before the meeting began, and residents voiced opposition against the rate hike for nearly an hour.

A major concern was that citizens on a fixed income would be unable to afford the increase.

Spring City resident Bertha Jenkins said that this increase will not only affect those on fixed income but working people as well, especially those who earn minimum wage.

With the 20 percent increase, the minimum residential water bill is now $59.91. This includes water, sewer and garbage collection.

This price covers water usage up to 2,000 gallons. Whether a citizen uses one gallon a month or 2,000 gallons a month, the bill remains the same.

Christine McCabe said she doesn't mind paying bills, but she doesn't believe she should pay for water that she isn't using.

"It's kind of like thievery," McCabe said about paying the minimum bill. "That is paying for stuff you didn't get."

Jolene Wood, who lives on McGoffin Avenue, voiced a complaint about unclean water.

"I don't mind paying for water if it is clean and drinkable," she said.

City manager Walter Evans said the city had just finished a "red water project" replacing old pipes. The project was deemed "red-water" because red was the color of the water produced by the pipes.

Although the city replaced over five miles of pipes, Evans said there were still places that need to be fixed and they are making plans to fix those places.

After listening to citizens, the city meeting began. Despite the complaints, the ordinance passed 4-1. Jeff "Bimbo" Rhear voted against the increase, saying it was the "wrong time" to raise water prices.

"We have to take care of our citizens," Rhear said. "They're here telling us that it's hard and that they don't have any money."

According to Vice Mayor Mike Jolley, this decision was not an "easy one."

Jolley read a list of reasons for this increase, including more testing requirements, increased chemical fees and necessary repairs.

According to Jolley, this increase will provide Spring City only $480 in profit.

Mayor Mary Sue Garrison said that Spring City needs to start having reserves.

"We would love to have a surplus set aside for unexpected issues," Garrison said.

Jolley said he didn't want to make this decision, but he couldn't find an alternative.

"If everyone has been doing their best," Thurman said, "then we'll just have to pay more for water."