On Monday. the Paden City Council approved and adopted an ordinance which will increase the water rates for 1,345 municipal customers.

The proposed increased rates and charges will become effective April 1, unless otherwise ordered by the Public Service Commission, and will produce approximately $77,750 annually in additional revenue, an increase of approximately 18.5 percent per month. This amendment brings the base water rate to $32.82, plus tax – an increase of $5.12 per month on the current rate.

The average monthly bill for the various classes of customers will be changed as follows: First 5000 above minimum charge, $2.73 per 1,000 gallons; Next 5,000, $2.06 per 1,000 gallons; Next 30,000, $1.74 per 1,000 gallons; Next 30,000, $1.37 per 1,000 gallons; Next 30,000, $1.03 per 1,000 gallons; Next 100,000, $.83 per 1,000 gallons; Next 200,000, $.73 per 1,000 gallons

The increases shown are based on averages of all customers in the indicated class. Individual customers may receive increases that are greater or less than average. According to the PSC, any customer who disagrees with the new rates or charges can present to the Commission a Petition signed by not less than 25 percent of the customers served by such municipally operated public utility. Petitions should be addressed to the Executive Secretary, Public Service Commission of West Virginia, 201 Brooks Street, Post Office Box 812, Charleston, West Virginia 25323.

A complete copy of the proposed rates is available to all customers, prospective customers or their agents at City of Paden City, 208 West Main Street, Post Office Box 211, Paden City, West Virginia 26159.

In other business, the council moved to approve the promotion of Sgt. Michael Owens to the rank of Chief of Police. Owens has been operating the department in this capacity for several months.

The promotion is effective immediately.

Additionally, they moved to formally approve the hiring of Ptlm. Michael Neff. Neff was hired by the Paden City Police Department on Jan. 23.

Susan Wade addressed the council to set the dates for the annual Labor Day Celebration. “I would to close the streets as we have done in the past. This year I would like to get started on Aug. 30,”

The streets will be closed from Aug. 30 until Sept. 4 for the celebration, as approved by the council.

Chief Owens asked for council’s assistance in updating the insurance information for ATV owners in the city. “I’m going to be sending out letters to all ATV owners to ask that they update their information with the city. At this time, all insurance cards have expired,” he said.

ATV owners will have 30 days from the receipt of the letter to bring their insurance information to the City Building. Owners who have not registered with the city, are asked to do so as soon as possible. It is mandatory for owners of ATVs to carry insurance on vehicles operated on the street.

Before adjourning. the council set the date for the Municipal Election, which will be held June 7. Since school will be in session, the city will be required to find a new venue for the Third Ward, previously housed at the elementary school.