Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 13, 1995 TAG: 9506130080
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIMBERLY N. MARTIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Two community service organizations that made their pitch again for city funds at Monday night's City Council meeting got part of what they were asking for.
But the residents who made a repeat appearance wearing their bright yellow "No Sewer Rate Increase Needed" pins weren't as successful.
After Salem resident Aaron Smith gave council a color-coded slide show of why Salem doesn't need a sewer tax rate increase and a handful of residents voiced their concerns, council voted unanimously to raise the sewer rate.
Come July 1, it still will "cost more to flush in Salem," City Manager Randy Smith said.
Smith had proposed a 37.5 percent rate increase, starting in July, to fund Salem's share of renovations to the regional sewage treatment plant.
Council rejected that proposal at its May work session, opting instead to phase in the increase.
Starting in July, the average monthly sewage bill will increase about $1.75, as opposed to the $3.50 it would have increased under the original proposal.
But by July 1, 1996, the rates will reach that level.
Council also approved a doubling of the 911 user fee. The rate will increase from 45 cents to 90 cents per month.
The Julian Stanley Wise Foundation, which recognizes rescue squad workers, was one example of how determination paid off for community service organizations.
A representative appeared before City Council about a month ago with a request for a $15,000 appropriation for the relocation of the organization's museum from Center in the Square to Tanglewood Mall.
In a rare 3-2 vote, council rejected the proposal. The two ayes came from Councilmen Garry Lautenschlager and Howard Packett, who both serve on the foundation's board.
"They called and asked me what to do. I told them just come back and ask for it again," Packett said.
They did. And by the foundation's second appearance Monday night, council had had a change of heart.
The foundation didn't get all it was asking for, but it did walk away from Monday's meeting with a promise of $5,000.
And Roanoke Valley Greenways, which was denied at the May work session by a 5-0 vote, got a $3,600 appropriation.
Lucy Ellett, chairwoman of the group's steering committee, said the money will help pay for a consultant who will help apply for federal grants and a study. Both Roanoke County and Roanoke have allotted monies for the program.
by CNB