City looking into fee changes

Changes in fee charges are being considered by the Jacksboro city council.

City Manager Mike Smith said no changes had been made in years. City staff usually looks at the fees in October and determines if changes are needed.

The city last changed in sewer rates in 2016 and that was to get more points for a grant. The increase was 25 cents which Smith says is still good. The council also decided to leave water alone.

A change is being considered for sewer calls. A charge of $25 is added if there’s a problem on the homeowner side, which is starting to become a hassle on the city side.

“We’re having people call the city with an issue, finding the problem was on the homeowner side and not the city, “ Smith said. “Most customers are just wanting to pay $25 instead of $300 for a plumber.”

The city is also looking intones for impoundment of animals whereas no fee has been charged in years. Any fees collected would get straight toward the development of a new animal shelter.

Smith said looking into park fee increases would go into repair and maintenance of the Twin Lakes Activity Center.

Other fines, such as Courts, are handled by the State. A proposal is expected to be brought before the council at its meeting Nov. 9.