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Council discusses RFD water usage
Water Faucet

MONROE — The City of Monroe Common Council heard Oct. 19 from Mayor Louis Armstrong that the Rural Fire District had decided against proceeding with a long-term contract with the city, but that was not the end of discussions between the RFD and the City.

On Nov. 16, the City started discussing options to allow the RFD to use City of Monroe hydrants and infrastructure. 

Five possible methods to charge the RFD were presented to alders, including:

●  A flat hydrant service charge per emergency fire call in the township ranging from $100-$1,000. Non-emergency calls would be billed out at authorized rates set by the Public Service Committee. The cost would include a $ 45 service charge and bulk water rate. 

●  Only use the rate structure set by the PSC. The cost would include the $45 service charge that would be considered a fee to maintain the water system and the bulk water rate for actual consumption.

●  Take the number of residential homes, commercial business and farms and charge a fixed quarterly fee. This is difficult to do because the City cannot be sure that everyone in the township would get benefit from the use of city systems because the end of the township is so far from city limits.

●   A cost per hydrant per year, per user, and a percentage of the maintenance cost per hydrant. Currently the City is at $698 per hydrant per year or $.15 per hydrant per user. 

●  The City also has the option to not allow the MRFD access to the city hydrant system.

Previously, the RFD’s water usage was handled through the Monroe Fire Department, as the two worked in collaboration. With the end of their contract extension coming to an end in December, the Council, City Utilities and RFD are working to find a solution to continue keeping residents in the RFD safe. 

The council acknowledged that even if they were to go with option five, to not allow access to the city hydrant system, the RFD will still have opportunities to receive support and water from the Monroe Fire Department should they request mutual aide. 

The matter will continue being discussed at the Dec. 7 meeting.