By Malynda Fulton
HAHIRA — For the next few months developers can expect to see a reduction in water and sewer tap fees in Hahira, after city council members approved a temporary reset of fees during the regular session Thursday evening.
The reset introduces a $1,500 fee per 3/4-inch water tap as well as a $1,500 fee per four-inch sewer tap as opposed to the regular rate of $2,500 per tap. The new set of fees are effective between now and Dec. 31, with the fees to revert to $2,500 for water and sewer Jan. 1, 2009.
When asked how the change in fees would benefit the city, City Manager Jonathan Sumner said, “The temporary change in fees is mainly to provide economic stimulus to our builders during these hard economic times. Hopefully, it will also bring in some additional revenue for us.”
Sumner added that the original $5,000 water and sewer tap fee was set due to budgetary pressures and system development costs. However, developers have continuously approached city officials requesting reconsideration of the fees. Among developers was Gary Minchew, who has addressed the council about tap fees more than once.
In other news, the city has announced a solution to the collection of yard waste and recyclable items for Hahira citizens. Four containers are now located in the field next to the city’s new public works barn on South Hall Street to collect yard waste, plastic and glass recyclables, cardboard and all other household waste. The service is available at no cost to citizens and the hours of the site are 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Friday.
According to a notice about the waste program, the availability of extended collection during evening hours and weekends will be examined in the coming months. On-site pickup is available upon request to public works at $25 a load.
The council also approved a proposal to increase jail fines and forfeitures. The increase stems from a recently passed mandate by state legislation for the collection of a 10 percent add-on to the base fine on all cash bonds, Hahira Police Chief Terry Davis explained to the council. The state will allocate the additional funds for various law enforcement purposes.
Other items discussed were:
- Red Ribbon Week, during which time, Mayor Wayne Bullard read a proclamation. Hahira’s anti-drug group, Teen Explosion, also expressed its desire to decorate the city’s four parks in honor of Red Ribbon Week.
- Third Thursday, which is Oct. 16 in downtown Hahira. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. and include a scarecrow contest, pumpkin pie contest, bounce house and mini hay maze.
- The Oct. 25 Fall Festival at the red caboose in downtown Hahira from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will include a haunted caboose, games and hayrides.
- A contract renewal with Acquionics, which was approved.
Lowndes County Board of Comissioners Chair candidate Norman Bennett also expressed his intention to continue his close work with the city if elected during the Citizens to be Heard portion.
