By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

The town of White Hall will have a water rate study done with an eye toward an increase.

Mayor Elizabeth Davis said at Thursday’s regular Town Council meeting that the town’s water system is up and running again after repairs to the town’s well were made.

But, she said, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is “recommending that we increase our rates.”

She said, “We already knew that we were going to have to increase our rates.”

Davis said she would distribute ADEM recommendations to the council. She said many of the recommendations had already been taken care of as the water system was still done at the time of the report.

In answer to Council member Moses A. Bandy, Davis said an effort would be made to have the rate study done prior to the next Town Council meeting. She said the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also requested a rate study.

“Even though it is something we don’t want to do, I don’t think we have much choice at this point,” said Davis, “if we are going to try to get funding and that type thing.”

Bandy told the council that Johnny Nelson would provide the lawn services for the town. Bandy said he would do trimming himself, as long as he is able.

Davis told the council she learned that there are some liabilities in connection with speed bumps to reduce speeding. However, she said, “children playing” signs should be erected shortly.

Bandy said that a public safety fish fry has been postponed until the fourth Saturday.

Davis distributed a broadband resolution to be reviewed by the council. She also said the town looked forward to repairing the storm damage to the town’s library.

Council member Audrey Peterson said two more town residents have died and that the town will send resolutions to their families.

The mayor encouraged town residents to support local businesses.

In actions taken, the council voted to refuse a request by a pastor to use the Town Hall every Sunday for worship services, as it would conflict with other uses of Town Hall by other groups and churches.

The council also approved the minutes of the last meeting.