By Steven Stilt
The Wamac City Council on Monday evening approved a new water shutoff fee structure for customers who are failing to pay their bills. Under the new plan, a first shutoff fee will be $50, with the penalty increasing to $75 for a second shutoff incident occurring within 12 months of the first one. A third or subsequent shutoff within 12 months of the initial incident will carry a $100 fee.
Previously, all shutoffs carried a $50 fee regardless of the number of incidents. City officials recommended adjusting the fee structure to account for higher labor costs and the man-hours required to shut off and restart water service.
Also on Monday, Jessica Wagner of Trajectory Energy Partners addressed the council, explaining that a two-parcel area that will be the site of a planned solar project currently sits in unincorporated Washington County, and she asked the council to consider annexing the parcels into the City of Wamac. Mayor Jackie “Butch” Mathus says he supports the idea, as it would increase tax revenue to the city. The council approved a motion to draft paperwork for a possible annexation, which will still require additional steps including a public hearing. Mathus says planners hope to start construction on the solar project in 2026.
The council also approved the city’s annual tax levy ordinance in the amount of $147,946. City Clerk Marian Suhl says the levy falls just short of the 5-percent increase that would require a Truth in Taxation hearing.
