By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

The White Hall Town Council will study a recommendation to increase its water rates.

Mayor Elizabeth Davis reported at Thursday night’s regular meeting that a water rate study is complete, which she said was conducted by the Alabama Rural Water Association.

However, she asked that that council not act at Thursday’s meeting, “but that we will take time to study it, and we can act on it at a later date.”

Davis said it has been recommended that the flat rate be increased $2.34 cents per month from $16 to $18.34.

“It is a recommendation, but we are at liberty to make our own decision as council,” said Davis. “We don’t have to go exactly by this recommendation.”

Davis said previously the last rate increase for White Hall was made two years ago when the town went from $14 to $16 on the flat rate, which she said includes 4,000 gallons of water.

She said the Alabama Department of Environmental Management recommended a rate increase in order for the town to maintain its water system. In addition to a rate increase, she said a reduction from 4,000 gallons of water to 2,000 gallons on the flat rate had been suggested.

Davis also said previously, “We have been doing out best to try to keep it (the rate) down,” but she said the town is being told by more than one source that the rate “is still too low.”

It was reported that the burn permit issued by the town has been amended to reduce the amount of time a person has to act from 30 days to 10 days.

Council member Walter Bates also noted that a permit from the town does override a no burn order from the state.

The only actions taken by the council Thursday were to approve the minutes of the previous meeting and to adjourn.