The South Callaway Fire Protection District will see a big jump in its next water bill.
Like all other customers of the local water district, the fire department pays a flat rate each month for its water usage. Until recently, that rate was $25. According to a letter sent to Chief Mark Smart by the Mokane Water Board, that rate will be going up to $50 per month.
Linda Davis, president of the South Callaway Fire Protection Board, brought the letter up at Monday night's meeting. The letter cited complaints from area residents that other local customers start getting dirty water whenever the district uses a high volume of water for tasks such as washing and filling the trucks - and, allegedly, for cleaning personal vehicles. According to the letter, after looking at the amount of water the district uses, the water board decided it was time to increase the district's rate.