Whitewood Looks at Raising Water Bill Fees

WHITEWOOD, S.D. (AP) - The city of Whitewood is considering raising its water bill late fees, deposits, and shut-off fees.

The Black Hills Pioneer reports that the current $5 late fee would go up to $20 under the proposal. The $20 shut-off fee would jump to $50 during regular business hours and $100 at other times.

The $100 deposit would increase to $125.

Whitewood Public Works Director Ross Grant says the city needs to be more firm. He says if there's no penalty, there's no reason to pay on time.

City Finance Officer Cory Heckenlaible will draft an ordinance that includes the new numbers. He plans to present the ordinance to the city council at its July 1 meeting.

The city of Whitewood lost $30,000 in water revenue last year.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.