Liberal City Commission Meets, Approves Water Rate Increases

The Liberal City Commission met Tuesday evening at 5:30pm for their regularly scheduled meeting.

Among the items on the agenda were Resolutions dealing with Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste rates. Although these were approved at a previous meeting, the commission needed to approve official Resolutions to put the rate increases in place. Water rates for residential customers beginning January 1, 2019 will go to $14.68 for the first 3000 gallons, then $4.09 for every 1000 gallons after that. beginning in 2020 there will be an automatic annual increase of 3% across the board.

Sewer rates for residential customers beginning in 2019 will go to $17.00 for the first 3000 gallons, and $6.00 for every 1000 gallons after that. There will also be a $2.00 Storm Sewer Flood fee attached and beginning in April of 2020 an automatic annual increase of 3% across the board.

Solid Waste rates for residential customers will raise to $17.80 beginning in 2019 with an automatic annual increase of 3% beginning in April of 2020.

Commissioners also approved an additional $2.00/month Storm Water Flood Control Fee.

The Commission approved the submittal of an application to KDOT for a bicycle/pedestrian grant, approved the reassignment of Patrol Units in the Police department to K-9 Units, and approved the purchase of a Gracco Paint Machine for the Airport in the amount of $26,300.00.

Three purchases were approved through the IT department for the Police Department. Toughbooks for $12,049.00, Communications Computers- $10,978, and a new Phone system in the amount of $6,241.

Upon the recommendation of Earles Engineering, the City will address drainage issues on Ziglar Street near the new Holiday Inn Express.

City Commissioners begin budget sessions Wednesday morning at the Mahuron Park Building starting at 7:00am.