Goodman Faces Water, Sewer Increase
THE PROPOSAL IS TO LEVY $1 EACH ON OF THE TWO UTILITIES
Goodman residents and business owners could see an increase in their water and sewer rates, if the Goodman City Council approves three ordinances later this month.
In its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Goodman City Council approved, on the first reading, three ordinances that call for increases in water and sewer rates.
• Ordinance No. 2017-487 calls for an increase in residential water rates by $1 for the first 1,000 gallons.
• Ordinance No. 2017-488 calls for the increase in commercial water rates by $1 for the first 1,000 gallons.
• Ordinance No. 2017-489 increases the sewer rates by $1 for the first 1,000 gallons.
After the meeting, Mayor Greg Richmond explained who the increases are necessary.
“It’s just to keep up with maintenance, and the repairs cost more to maintain,” Richmond said. “We don’t want to wait (for a large increase),” he said. “We would rather do it in small increments.”
The council is expected to approve the ordinances on the second reading in the meeting Jan. 17.
Aldermen also approved on its first reading an ordinance that calls for reimposing the sales tax on residential utility service. Ordinance No. 2017-486 calls for re-imposing the municipal sales tax, and that the rate of taxation shall be an increase of one-half of one percent for the purpose of transportation taxation.
In other business, Jill Cornett, of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, gave a presentation regarding a joint land-use study and comprehensive plan for the city. She said Neosho asked the HSTCC to work with the Department of Defense, to establish land use in nearby Newton County that doesn’t have land use and zoning for particular areas. Purposes for land surrounding Camp Crowder, in addition to the National Guard presence there, has prompted such studies. Cornett said a landuse study will be conducted for Goodman.
She asked the Council to consider members who will participate and give input for such a project, which would help guide residential, commercial, agricultural and transportation growth and zoning. Several local public hearing dates also will be set, she said.
Other business included the swearing-in of City Clerk Karla McNorton. She succeeds Paula Brodie, who retired in December after 33 years of service.