ST. MARKS TO RAISE SEWER RATES 75% ON RESIDENTS

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

Warned by their accountant that they are facing financial ruin if they don’t do something, St. Marks City Commissioners voted to raise sewer rates 75% – which would translate to a $46 increase per month on residential utility bills.
It was roughly estimated that the increase would translate into an additional $183,000 into the city’s utility fund.
City commissioners voted 3-1 for the increase, with the motion made by Dan Albers, seconded by Paula Bell, and supported by Mayor Paul Sheddan. Steve Remke was the lone vote against the increase. Remke had made a motion earlier for a 50% increase that was seconded by Bell for discussion and was ultimately voted down 1-3. City Commission Sharon Rudd was absent due to illness.
The meeting room at City Hall was full of citizens on Thursday, June 8, but none seemed especially upset by the sharp increase in rates.
One citizen did suggest that there must be money to cut, and Mayor Sheddan appeared irritated at the comment. The mayor replied that city commissioners had cut everything they could think of, but there was no way to make enough financial cuts to get out of the problem. Several residents in the audience suggested just going ahead with a 100% increase to get the pain over with.
It was noted that the city had been slow to raise its utility rates – there had only been a 12% increase over the past several years, which wouldn’t be enough to keep up with inflation.
As part of financial cuts, the city commission has cut the pay of City Manager Zoe Mansfield and Ethel Jefferson by going to a four-day workweek.
Mayor Sheddan was also prepared at the meeting to suggest a reorganization of city staff by removing Public Works from under the city  manager, and altering the title of the city manager to administrative manager.
City Attorney Ron Mowrey told Sheddan that the city charter refers specifically to a city manager position and duties. He said interference by city commissioners in the city manager’s duties was a first-degree misdemeanor. Mowrey told Sheddan that the change he was proposing would require advertising and then a referendum for city voters to approve.
Sheddan appeared disappointed in the attorney’s opinion.
It was Mowrey’s last meeting as city attorney. He had represented St. Marks for many years.
He told city commissioners that he had practiced law for 54 years and would turn 80 in the summer, saying it was time for him to retire.
In another matter, Shadrach Hines of the St. Marks Waterfronts committee announced the group had raised enough money for Fourth of July fireworks.
Hines also said the city’s first community market was a success. The next one is set for June 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.