City council approves utilities rate increases

Published 4:15 pm Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Greg Hobbs

THOMASVILLE — In a unanimous vote Monday, Thomasville City Council approved utilities rate increases that are projected to prevent a $600,000 capital and operations budget shortfall this year.

At council’s first meeting of 2019, Council member David Hufstetler, who has been outspokenly against the increase, made the motion to raise rates. Council member Jay Flowers provided the second to Hufstetler’s motion.

The increase in water, natural gas, sewer and sanitation will cost the average customer a total of $3 to $3.30 monthly.

Someone in the audience complained about people present and in opposition to the increase not having a chance to speak before the vote.

Mayor Greg Hobbs said that when he called for a discussion after the motion and second, those opposed to the increase should have spoken.

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Hobbs polled council members, asking if they would have changed their votes after hearing from opponents. All council members said they would not have changed their votes.

A majority of council members voted against raising rates at the first council meeting of 2018.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820