Mr. and Mrs. Larry F. Bailey receive the “Yard of the Month” award from the West Columbia Beautification Committee. Prior to the regularly scheduled West Columbia City Council meeting on June 1, 2010, the council held two public hearings. The first hearing was to discuss the city’s general fund budget for the fiscal year 2010–2011, and the second hearing was to discuss the proposed water and sewer rate increases that will take effect on July 1, 2010.

The regular council meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. On behalf of the West Columbia Beautification Committee, council member L. Dale Harley presented the “Yard of the Month” award to Mr. and Mrs. Larry F. Bailey of Brookwood Circle.

The first reading consideration of the ordinance to adopt the West Columbia city budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, including levying a tax to meet the budget was approved. The general fund budget considered is $13,181,700 with a water/sewer fund of $12,601,000.

The first reading consideration of the ordinance establishing amended water and sewer service charges for the city of West Columbia was approved. This ordinance calls for the council to raise the water and sewer rates and water and sewer tap fees to ensure the continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the municipal bond. There will be a 10 percent increase in the water and sewer rates for all customers beginning at the minimum usage of 6,000 gallons of water. There will also be a two dollar monthly surcharge on out of town water usage. This rate increase on water and sewer usage has been introduced as a means of financing a $20 million debt in the city’s water and sewer industry from previous improvements and repairs made to the system.

The Council meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.