Smiley City Council discusses rate increases, water well repairs

The Smiley City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Municipal Building.

One of the big topics from last Wednesday’s meeting was discussing the rate increase and the cost of the repairs for water well No. 1.

The council approved getting a loan for the repairs of the well and discussed how to inform the residents of Smiley about the water increases from the loan.

Smiley Mayor Lisa Benavidez said they’ll sent out letters to residents about rate increases on their water bill, but they are suggestions on also doing a town hall meeting to speak with residents.

“I think we need to talk to the people and tell them what happened with the water in the past couple of months, what the expenses are to get that repaired and what is going on with [well] one,” Councilwoman Lori Price said.

“Because we did not have a town hall when the disaster happened and now you’re going to raise the rate. If I don’t know what is going on and you’re going to raise my rate after what just happened with no information coming out, I would be knocking your door down, spitting fire.” Price added.

The council made the decision to table the time and date until they figure out when they’ll have town hall meeting regarding the water well and rate increases.

The council approved the following agenda items:

– approved Christmas bonuses.