Garbage has increased from $15 to $20 and citizens must pay $2 for police and $2 for fire services. This is billed quarterly, but residents can request to pay it monthly. Senior Citizens pay $16 for garbage, but are requested to apply at city hall for the discount.
These rate increases were approved by the former city council and went into effect on July 1 to cover expenditures and a lack of revenue being generated by the city.
The garbage bill had not increased in 14 years and with increasing operating costs, the city was faced with lay-offs or an increase in prices.
“With costs going up for fuel, equipment repairs and the purchasing of equipment for the police, fire and garbage and revenue staying the same we felt we had no choice,” said McCormick. “The rates are still comparable to other rates in the county and Williamson water rates, although increased, are still the cheapest in the area.”
New legislation was also passed mandating the town to contribute a percentage to fire fighters’ pension plans.
McCormick said that the town held readings of the new ordinance at regular council meetings, ran legal ads in The Williamson Daily, and held a public hearing so that citizens could voice their opinion, but received no complaints.
“We did everything we are required by law to do,” said Mayor McCor-mick. “We welcome complaints, because if people don’t complain then we don’t know what is wrong,”
McCormick explained the former council did not take the rate increase lightly, but felt they had no choice and did it for the city.
Lay-offs could have cost Williamson the paid fire department, which would have changed the city’s ISO rating from a Class III to a Class VI.
“If the ISO rating was to change to a Class VI then it would have tripled insurance rates, definitely causing it to increase more than $24 a year,” said McCormick. “When I ran for this position, I decided that this town would always have a full time police and fire department because if we have an accident I know someone will always be there.”
“And our response times are definitely better than if we had a volunteer department,” he added. “These employees are here to protect life and property.”
The County has discussed implementing a fire levy municipal ordinance and McCormick said that if that happens Williamson will revisit this issue and make a discussion on what is best for residents.
Williamson City Council meetings are conducted on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall. The public is invited to attend to voice any comments or concerns.
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