Danielsville raises water rates

The council plans to raise tier rates, for usage of 2,000 gallons per month or more, by 30 percent, but the council opted not to raise commercial rates March 8 during a four-and-a-half hour meeting, agreeing instead to keep them level with the new residential rates.

In addition, sewerage rates will be lowered from 1.5 times the water rate, to the same price as the new water rates.

In another matter, the council hired Sherry Culberson as the new elections superintendent at a rate of $12 per hour. They also agreed to compensate city clerk Connie Riley for the time she spends at council meetings and work sessions, instead of having her take time off later in the week.

The council discussed whether city police officers should be able to take their cars home with them. City attorney Victor Johnson told the council that it is the responsibility of the police chief, as a department head, to make this decision, and that the mayor, not the council, is the supervisor over department heads. No action was taken on the matter.

The council voted to donate $800 to the Danielsville Volunteer Fire Department for their annual chicken mull so they can purchase chicken for the event. The council noted that chicken is usually donated to the fire department for this event.

The council also heard from Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter director Susan Fornash, who thanked the council for their recent donation of $1,000 and presented them with a certificate of appreciation. Fornash explained some of the services the shelter provides and invited the council to tour the shelter facility.