MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – MLGW customers got a break on the rate hike, but not that doesn’t mean a break from constant power outages so frequently experienced.
The Memphis City Council only approved about an average $2.32 on water bills per month. The average 74-cent increase you might pay monthly gas wouldn’t start until 2022. Starting in July of 2020 customers will pay more in 2020, but 70% less than first expected.
Though electric rate increases were not approved, the council sent MLGW CEO J.T. Young back to his board with recommendations for a future electric rate increases. Young says much needed infrastructure improvements can begin on Memphis’ water system, but electric will have to wait. And come November, Memphis voters will decide the long debated matter of residency for police and fire. Council approved a referendum Tuesday night that would allow commissioned officers and trainees exemption from living 50 miles outside of Memphis as long as fire personnel is less than 1,645 and police 2,400.
Also going up, you rate on waste pick up. Council members agreed to an $8 a month increase, but only after expressing disappointment with how Mayor Strickland characterized the situation as rate increase or massive job cuts bringing union workers out in support of the increase.
Finally, in one final act, the council approved beer among the birds and the bears at the Memphis zoo during regular operating hours.
Next year, six new members will join the Memphis City Council.