By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

WHITE HALL — The White Hall town council unanimously approved a $2 per month flat rate increase to its basic water rates during their meeting last week. The increase will go into effect beginning Oct. 1.

Although the council approved the rate increase, which was recommended by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, they did leave number of gallons of water allowed under the basic flat rate at 4,000 gallons.

“We had problems with the well. We’ve repaired the well, but we still had debt,” White Hall Mayor Elizabeth Davis said. She said the rate increase was needed “to maintain our water system.”

It was announced at the August meeting the public would be given an opportunity to speak on the proposed rate hike at the September council meeting. No one showed up for that purpose Thursday night.

However, councilmember Moses Bandy said White Hall resident Charles Mays suggested the flat rate remain the same, but the number of gallons allowed be reduce to 2,000 gallons per month or to raise the flat rate by $2, but leave the number of gallons at 4,000 per month.

Councilmember Walter Bates said he also spoke to residents, including senior citizens, who had no problem with the rate increase and who understood the need due to work done on the well.

The flat rate with taxes will increase from $16.64 to $18.72 per month, beginning Oct. 1.

On a motion by Bates with a second from Bandy, the council also unanimously approved a retail liquor license for Marcus White and White Enterprises LLC for The Luxury, located at 5839 U.S. Highway 80 West.

It was announced a called meeting of the council would be held prior to the Oct. 6 meeting to approve the town’s 2012 budget.

Councilmember Peggy Johnson was not in attendance at the meeting.