T. Falls council votes to increase water rates

The Thompson Falls City Council voted 5-1 on Monday to increase water and sewer rates in the city.

Beginning June 1, residents will be charged $40 for the first 2,000 gallons of water used per month and $1.50 per 1,000 gallons over the base. Sewer rates similarly increase to $40 for the first 2,000 gallons, and $4.10 per additional 1,000 gallons.

Initially, the city had proposed not having any usage included in the base rate. But after a public hearing in which residents expressed their concern, the council voted in the 2,000 base usage.

About 10 residents attended the special city council meeting on Monday, expressing concern over the amount of the increase. Residents noted that the increase would hurt elderly citizens who live on a fixed income, and also were concerned about the amount of the increase during the warmer summer months when they need to irrigate lawns and gardens.

The resolution by the city council includes a requirement that the rates be reviewed annually, and the council noted that in the future, they could possibly look at increasing the base number of gallons in the summer months.

City Council member Lynne Kersten noted that it has been seven years since the rates increased. Mayor Mark Sheets said that the increase is needed to complete additional repairs and replacement of the water main. He also noted that the Jefferson Street water tank is at least 80 years old and will need to be replaced at some point. Additionally, the mayor and city council said that there are no reserve funds for future water and sewer projects.

Also on Monday, a special meeting was held for a first reading of the city’s noise ordinance. The city previously has not had a noise ordinance, and created one at the request of residents. The proposed ordinance states that it “is enacted to protect, preserve and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace and quiet for the citizens of the City of Thompson Falls through the reduction, control and prevention of noise. The intent of th ordinance is to establish standards which will eliminate and reduce unnecessary noises which are physically harmful or otherwise detrimental to the enjoyment of life, property and maintenance of business.” The ordinance includes details for “loud, objectionable, and unnecessary noises” including loud speakers, vehicles, radios, animals, parties and vocal disturbances. One section of the ordinance states that construction noise should be limited from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Jake brakes (compression brakes) to slow a vehicle at locations that will be marked with appropriate signage. The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance.

The council also adopted a salary schedule for employees on Monday. The budget committee worked with city department heads to come up with a schedule, which includes incentives for longevity, training and further education.

“It’s long overdue,” said council member Raoul Ribeiro. “It will benefit the city and the employees.”