The water rate concerns that have been floating to the surface for Nashville residents were addressed … almost.
At last Thursday’s town council meeting, Councilperson Anna Hofstetter made a motion to take the recommendation of the Utility Service Board to restructure the billing system. Hofstetter said this was in answer to citizen complaints that the current structure is unfair.
Hofstetter’s motion would have resulted in a 91 percent increase in the base rate on water bills. However, where the current system charges everyone the same based on 2,000 gallons consumption, the new proposal would decrease water bills for those using 1,400 gallons a month or less.
“From my perspective, it is satisfying the call of the people, which is exactly what the Council is for,” Hofstetter said.
However, once Hofstetter made the motion, silence followed. With no second, Council President Jane Gore stated the motion wouldn’t move forward.
“The motion would not have been as beneficial to the majority of people,” Councilperson Andi Wilson told The Democrat. “The main thing is we wanted to make sure we were making the right choice.”
In the August Town Council meeting, the USB brought the proposal Hofstetter endorsed to the table. The Town Council tabled any action.
The USB and Town Council have been considering water rates for months. With the latest plan off the table, Hofstetter said it doesn’t mean the discussion goes away.
“We have the study and the information, so we can readdress it in the future if we see fit,” said Hofstetter.
She said what they can do is make a proposition for the decision to be put on the ballot next fall. She said they would have to look at the legalities for that to occur.
Hofstetter said she’s not sure if everyone understood the details.
“I can’t speak for if (the council) looked or understood the information,” Hofstetter said. “But they were provided with it all. I want the people to know they have the power,” she added. “And if their representatives are failing them, they need to let them know and continue emailing, calling and pushing for change.”
