Bonuses, water rates, budget on agenda

VW independent staff

A bonus for employees of the water office, an ordinance to set water rates for 2024 and next year’s budget are among the items on tonight’s Van Wert City Council agenda.

A resolution calling for a one-time bonus of $1,000 for employees notes workers had to handle large amounts of customer questions and complaints during a change in the billing system due to new water meters. The resolution will have its first reading tonight but it expected to be approved as an emergency measure.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming previously recommended that water rates increase by 10 percent, which would cost the average customer approximately $2 per month. The increase is expected to gain approval tonight.

Council members will also hear the second reading of the city’s 2024 budget. Final approval is excepted on Wednesday, December 27, during the final council meeting of 2023.

Tonight’s meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.