Before you water that lawn.. know that Lilliput increased water and sewer rates last night.

I was not feeling well last night, so I sat out the Lilliput City Council Meeting. A water/sewer rate increase was on the agenda. I just got off of the phone with whoever answers the phone when you call for the city clerk. She tells me that the rate increase passed four to two with Bird and Johnson voting against. When I asked if in fact they passed the rates proposed on the published meeting agenda, she said she would not want to say unless I could tell her where I had seen it. Go figure. She transferred me to the Water/Sewer Dept. On the first try, I got voice mail. Called back, got a person who said no one had brought the new rates to the Water/Sewer Dept. yet at 10:15 the day after the vote. She referred me to the mayor's office. Voice mail again. I'll let y'all know when I hear back from them. In the meantime, click here to see the proposed rates: http://www.camdenwatchdog.com/ Okay, here are the new fees which go into effect on May 1, 2009. First, Capital Recovery Fees: l Recovery Fee Proposed Proposed May 2009 July 2010 July 2011 Water Tap 3/4 inch $ 1,990 $ 2,190 $ 2,400 1 inch $ 3,230 $ 3,550 $ 3,900 1 1/2 inch $ 6,400 $ 7,050 $ 7,700 2 inch $ 10,180 $ 11,240 $ 12,400 3 inch $ 19,280 $ 21,200 $ 23,300 4 inch $ 32,000 $ 35,250 $ 38,800 6 inch $ 63,340 $ 70,170 $ 77,200 8 inch $ 100,840 $ 112,070 $ 123,300 Sewer Tap 3/4 inch $ 6,460 $ 7,110 $ 7,800 1 inch $ 10,820 $ 11,900 $ 13,100 1 1/2 inch $ 21,320 $ 23,610 $ 26,000 2 inch $ 34,000 $ 37,750 $ 41,600 3 inch $ 63,340 $ 70,570 $ 77,800 4 inch $ 63,740 $ 70,770 $ 78,600 6 inch $ 106,060 $ 117,880 $ 129,700 8 inch $ 335,300 $ 375,150 $ 415,000 Water/Sewer Total 3/4 inch $ 8,450 $ 9,300 $ 10,200 1 inch $ 14,050 $ 15,450 $ 17,000 1 1/2 inch $ 27,720 $ 30,660 $ 33,700 2 inch $ 44,180 $ 48,990 $ 54,000 3 inch $ 82,620 $ 91,770 $ 101,100 4 inch $ 95,740 $ 106,020 $ 117,400 6 inch $ 169,400 $ 188,050 $ 206,900 8 inch $ 436,140 $ 487,220 $ 538,300 Sorry, but city hall sent this in an Adobe file and I do not have the software to deal with it in the original columnar format. Now, here is the new water/sewer rate ordinnace: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 98-2, SECTION 98-7(3-b), SECTION 98-9, SECTION 98-10, SECTION 98-53, SECTION 98-54, SECTION 98-55, SECTI0N 98-55(b) AND SECTION 98-57(c)(d) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF ST. MARYS, GEORGIA BE IT, AND IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the City of St. Marys, Georgia, that Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 9854, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) of the Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia is hereby amended to read as follows: Current SECTION 98-2(d). Application for water and sewer service. (d) A flat fee of $30.00 will be charged for temporary water, plus any water used, for a time period of less than 30 days. Proposed SECTION 98-2(d). Application for water and sewer service. (d) A flat fee of $35.00 will be charged for temporary water, plus any water used, for a time period of less than 30 days. Current SECTION 98-7(3-b). Meter reading; billings; collections. (b) Service disconnected for nonpayment of bills will be restored only after bills are paid in full, and any additional security deposit that may be required. A service charge of $25.00 will be applied to each account if it appears on the disconnect list. Water meters may be turned off or on by a city employee only, there is a fine of $75.00 to any individual or company that tampers with the meter. When a tamper fee is determined by a city employee, the fee shall be paid before water is restored. Proposed SECTION 98-7(3-b). Meter reading; billings; collections. (b) Service disconnected for nonpayment of bills will be restored only after bills are paid in full, and any additional security deposit that may be required. A service charge of $30.00 will be applied to each account if it appears on the disconnect list. Water meters may be turned off or on by a city employee only, there is a fine of $100.00 to any individual or company that tampers with the meter. When a tamper fee is determined by a city employee, the fee shall be paid before water is restored. Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 2 of 6 Current SECTION 98-9. Transfers. There is a transfer fee of $25.00 for transferring from one address to another within the city's water system. This will be added to the consumer's bill at the time the transfer occurs. Proposed SECTION 98-9. Transfers. There is a transfer fee of $30.00 for transferring from one address to another within the city's water system. This will be added to the consumer's bill at the time the transfer occurs. Current SECTION 98-10 (1.) Complaints, adjustments: (1) The city will make a special water meter reading at the request of the consumer for a fee of $20.00 provided, however, that if such a special reading discloses that the meter was over-read, no charge will be made. Proposed SECTION 98-10(1). Complaints, adjustments: (1) The city will make a special water meter reading at the request of the consumer for a fee of $25.00 provided, however, that if such a special reading discloses that the meter was over-read, no charge will be made. Current SECTION 98-53. Existing and new users: The following rate schedule for use of City water and sewer services shall apply to each existing user and all new users. This rate schedule is applicable to each user, whether actually connected to the system or the availability exists. Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 3 of 6 SECTION 98-53. Existing and new users (continued): (A) Water & Sewer Rate Schedule Inside City Rates: Amount of water used: Rate per month: (1) Residential 0 - 6,000 (base fee) $27.50 (variable fee) $3.84/tgal 6,000 – over $4.42/tgal (2) Commercial I --includes buildings such as laundries, laundromats, dry cleaners, restaurants, bottling plants, service stations, garages, car washes, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, clinics, and schools. 0 -6,000 6,000 - over (base fee) $27.50 (variable fee) $3.84/tgal $4.42/tgal Hotels with restaurants will receive two (2) base rates plus variable fees. (3) Commercial II, III & Industrial: Commercial II - includes buildings (base fee) returning only domestic sewage, such $27.50 as office buildings, churches, hotels, 0 - 6,000 (variable fee) (without restaurants), warehouses (for $3.84/tgal storage only), retail sales, community centers, and recreational buildings. 6,000 - over $4.42/tgal (4) Commercial III - includes users (base fee) discharging less 70% of metered water $27.50 into sewage system such as 0 - 6,000 (variable fee) commercial docks, (except florists) $3.84/tgal as in nurseries and greenhouses 6,000 - over $4.42/tgal (5) Equivalent Dwelling Unit(s) 5,000 gallons equal one (1) EDU - This will apply to Apartments, Condominiums, Trailer Parks, Duplexes, or any other multi family dwelling unit with one (1) water meter. Their bills will be calculated by dividing their water consumption by 5,000 gallons, then multiplying the EDU’s by the base fee of their classification, listed above, plus the variable fee. Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 4 of 6 * Senior Citizens will receive a 20% discount on the base fee and variable fee. SECTION 98-54. Water and Sewer Availability: The minimum charge as provided in the rate schedule, shall be made for such availability. The fixed base rate will be $13.75 for Water, and $13.75 for Sewer. NO FREE SERVICE or use of facilities will be permitted and all connections will be metered. Senior Citizens will receive a 20% discount. Proposed SECTION 98-53. Existing and new users: The following rate schedule for use of City water and sewer services shall apply to each existing user and all new users. This rate schedule is applicable to each user, whether actually connected to the system or the availability exists. (A) Water & Sewer Rate Schedule Inside City Rates: Amount of water used: Rate per month: (1) Residential 0 - 6,000 (base fee) $30.30 (variable fee) $4.22/tgal 6,000 – over $4.86/tgal (2) Commercial I --includes buildings such as laundries, laundromats, dry cleaners, restaurants, bottling plants, service stations, garages, car washes, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, clinics, and schools. 0 -6,000 6,000 - over (base fee) $30.30 (variable fee) $4.22/tgal $4.86/tgal Hotels with restaurants will receive two (2) base rates plus variable fees. (3) Commercial II, III & Industrial: Commercial II - includes buildings (base fee) returning only domestic sewage, such $30.30 Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 5 of 6 as office buildings, churches, hotels, 0 - 6,000 (variable fee) (without restaurants), warehouses (for $4.22/tgal storage only), retail sales, community centers, and recreational buildings. 6,000 - over $4.86/tgal (4) Commercial III - includes users (base fee) discharging less 70% of metered water $30.30 into sewage system such as 0 - 6,000 (variable fee) commercial docks, (except florists) $4.22/tgal as in nurseries and greenhouses 6,000 - over $4.86/tgal (5) Equivalent Dwelling Unit(s) 5,000 gallons equal one (1) EDU - This will apply to Apartments, Condominiums, Trailer Parks, Duplexes, or any other multi family dwelling unit with one (1) water meter. Their bills will be calculated by dividing their water consumption by 5,000 gallons, then multiplying the EDU’s by the base fee of their classification, listed above, plus the variable fee. * Senior Citizens will receive a 20% discount on the base fee and variable fee. SECTION 98-54. Water and Sewer Availability: The minimum charge as provided in the rate schedule, shall be made for such availability. The fixed base rate will be $15.15 for Water, and $15.15 for Sewer. NO FREE SERVICE or use of facilities will be permitted and all connections will be metered. Senior Citizens will receive a 20% discount. Current SECTION 98-55. Solid waste collection: (a) Initial service fee for solid waste collection. Fee (per container) Residential - $ 75.00 Commercial - $175.00 (b) Garbage fees for weekly pick-ups are as follows: Fee (per month) Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 6 of 6 Residential/commercial, 90 gallons - $ 14.05 Apartment complex with commercial can monthly, per apartment - $ 11.30 Commercial, 350 gallons - $ 47.40 Fees for commercial establishments that require more than the regular weekly pick-ups will be increased by five percent over their current rate. Senior citizens will receive a 25 percent discount based on income of $20,000 or less. Proposed SECTION 98-55. Solid waste collection: (a) Initial service fee for solid waste collection. Initial Fee: Residential/Commercial - $ 75.00 (b) Garbage fees for weekly pick-ups are as follows: Fee (per month) Residential/Commercial, 90 gallons - $ 15.46 Apartment complex with commercial can monthly, per apartment - $ 12.43 Senior citizens will receive a 25 percent discount based on income of $20,000 or less. Current Sec. 98-57(c) (d). Construction fees. (c) The aid-to-construction fee for platted and approved commercial subdivisions, less than one acre, and platted and approved residential subdivisions shall be calculated based on the estimated average daily water consumption of each type of structure as outlined in Table 98-57.1 multiplied by the estimated construction cost per gallon, currently $10.23 for 2008, then multiplied by the number of units. The estimated construction cost per gallon shall be adjusted yearly in January based on the Federal Consumer Price Index increase. If the proposed use is not included in Table 98-57.1, then the daily average water consumption rate shall be determined by the mayor and council and/or their designee. Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 7 of 6 The aid-to-construction fee for non-platted commercial subdivisions, greater than one acre, shall be calculated using a base fee per water connection and a base fee per waste water connection or using Table 98-57.1. The aid-to-construction fee for non-platted residential subdivisions shall be based on a set fee multiplied by the number of units within the subdivision. The commercial base fees and the residential unit fee will increase by $250.00 January 1 of each succeeding year beginning in January 2009. GPD (Table 98-57.1) × Cost Per Gallon × Unit Total = Aid-To-Construction Fee Example for a 2006 development with 50 units of one bedroom apartments: 150 × $10.00 × 50 = $75,000.00 is the aid-to-construction fee. (d) Aid-to-construction fees for commercial or non-platted residential subdivisions shall be paid with submittal of a final plat for the residential or commercial subdivision or engineering plans, for a single-lot or platted multi-lot commercial development, greater than one acre, per the following fee schedule: TABLE INSET: Commercial Base fee of $1,000.00 per water tap and $1,000.00 per waste-water tap or as described/calculated in Table 98-57.1 or as described/calculated for "Construction not described above" in Table 98-57.1. Residential $3,000.00 per residential lot Aid-to-construction fees shall be paid upon receipt of a building permit for all previously platted and recorded residential lots and previously platted and recorded commercial lots, less than one acre, calculated per Table 98-57.1. Aid- to-construction fees may be incorporated into a water and sewer agreement for each development project negotiated by the City Manager and approved by the Mayor and Council. Proposed Sec. 98-57 (c) (d). Construction fees. (c) The aid-to-construction fee for platted and approved commercial subdivisions, less than one acre, and platted and approved residential subdivisions shall be calculated based on the estimated average daily water consumption of each type of structure as outlined in Table 98-57.1 multiplied by the estimated construction cost per gallon, currently $11.70 for 2009, then multiplied by the number of units. The estimated construction cost per gallon shall increase May 1 of each succeeding year beginning in May 2010 at a rate of 5%. If the proposed use is not included in Table 98-57.1, then the daily average Ordinance to Amend Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55(b) and Section 98-57(c) (d) Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia Page 8 of 6 water consumption rate shall be determined by the mayor and council and/or their designee. The aid-to-construction fee for non-platted commercial subdivisions, greater than one acre, shall be calculated using a base fee per water connection and a base fee per waste water connection or using Table 98-57.1. The aid-to-construction fee for non-platted residential subdivisions shall be based on a set fee multiplied by the number of units within the subdivision. The commercial base fees and the residential unit fee will increase by $275.00 May 1 of each succeeding year beginning in May 2010. GPD (Table 98-57.1) × Cost Per Gallon × Unit Total = Aid-To-Construction Fee Example for a 2009 development with 50 units of one bedroom apartments: 150 × $11.70 × 50 = $87,750.00 is the aid-to-construction fee. (d) Aid-to-construction fees for commercial or non-platted residential subdivisions shall be paid with submittal of a final plat for the residential or commercial subdivision or engineering plans, for a single-lot or platted multi-lot commercial development, greater than one acre, per the following fee schedule: TABLE INSET: Commercial Base fee of $1,100.00 per water tap and $1,100.00 per waste-water tap or as described/calculated in Table 98-57.1 or as described/calculated for "Construction not described above" in Table 98-57.1. Residential $3,300.00 per residential lot THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of St. Marys does hereby ordain, resolve and enact the foregoing Ordinances for the City of St. Marys, Georgia which amends Section 98-2, Section 98-7(3-b), Section 98-9, Section 98-10, Section 98-53, Section 98-54, Section 98-55, Section 98-55 (b) and Section 98 (c) (d) of the Code of Ordinances, City of St. Marys, Georgia. Adopted this _27th__________ day of _April_______________, 2009 This ordinance shall become effective May 1, 2009 upon its passage and approval. City of St. Marys, Georgia Attest: Rowland Eskridge, Mayor Darlene Roellig, City Clerk

So, here's the short version. Effective May 1, Lilliputians under 65 years of age will pay residential water rates as follows. For the first 6,000 gallons: a base fee of $30.30 plus $4.22 for each 1,000 gallons up to 6,000. For over 6,000 gallons, $4.86 per 1,000 gallons. When you turn 65, assuming you notify them promptly, you will start getting the 20% senior discount the next month after your birthday month. Residential garbage collection will go from the current $14.05 per month to $15.46 per month, effective May 01, 2009. Senior citizens with an annual income of $20,000 or less will receive a 25% discount on residential garbage fees. Apparently, there is no income test for the water/sewer senior discount.