Barrow Journal

Winder’s city government today at 5 p.m. will hold a public input session on its proposed budget for FY2011, which begins July 1.

The budget includes multiple rate hikes: 7-percent increases in the monthly base charges for water and sewer; 15-percent increases in the volume usage rates for water and sewer; a $1 per month increase in the garbage rate; and a new environmental fee based on the amount of impervious surface on each piece of property. Impervious surfaces are items on top of the ground that do not allow water to pass through.

The "Environmental Protection Services" fee will show up on county property tax bills, according to the proposed budget. The amount has not been set. It is to cover the cost of implementing state mandated services for stormwater; fats, oils and grease disposal; and watershed protection.

The water and sewer rate hikes go into effect Sept. 1. [Full Story »]