MINUTES TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF SHENANDOAH July 9,2024  The Shenandoah Town Council held aj public hearing on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, beginning at  7:00 p.m., with Mayor 0. Lucas, Jr., presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.  ATTENDANCE  Council Members present were: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr.; Vicel Mayor William Kite; Council Members Denise Cave; Lynn Fox; I. Michael Lowe; Richard Pierce; and Christopher  Reisinger,  Council Members absent were: None  Other Town Officials present were: Charles Jenkins, Town Manager; Angie Schrimscher, Town Clerk, Lt. Brandon Morris, Officer, Shenandoah Police Department. Citizens present were: William Foltz, Robert Zirkle, Sue Zirkle, Deborah Comer, Amos Thomas, Mary Queen, Greg Thompson, Nathan Comer, Brittaney Sutherland, Brenda Haggett,  Storm Hammer, Freddie Kite, Brenda Lam. Media Representatives: None.  CALLTOORDER: Mayor Lucas opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. He stated thej purpose oft the Public Hearing is to discuss the Town Water and Sewer: rate increase, effective August 1, 2024. Hei noted each member received a copy of the proposed rate increase forr review. He also stated the proposed rate increase was advertised in a local newspaper, and a copy has been on Mayor Lucas inquired ift there was anyone present to speak for the water and sewer: increase rate. Mayor Lucas inquired ift there was anyone present to speak against thej proposed Water and Greg Thompson works for water and sewer for Rockingham County. He spoke about the rates and comparing rates in Dayton, Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Stanley and Elkton to Shenandoah. Billy Foltz is a longtime resident of the Town and is concerned how the 1000-gallon decrease  display at the Town Office for the public to review.  No one present spoke for the proposed Water and Sewer Rate increase,  Sewer ratei increase,  will affect large household families.    Deborah Comer inquired about why we: need to increase the water rates.  Mayor Clinton responded the Town of Shenandoah operates as al business and the revenues need Freddie Kite inquired how many homes were built in the Town of Shenandoah in since 2022. Town Manager Charlie Jenkins stated only two homes have been built since 2022. Storm Hammer inquired about the increase on tax rates and asked the question about possible Town Manager Charlie Jenkins stated the average household income in the Town of Shenandoah is $64,410.00 and is above average, sO it excludes The Town of Shenandoah from grants. Deborah Comer is concerned about how the new water and sewer: rates will affect children of the Chris Hensley stated the Town has been wasting money, noting the new Police cars and company trucks and Public Works crews. running back and forth through the' Town. Town Manager Charlie Jenkins stated only one new company truck was purchased and the Amos Thomas has calculated the usage of water he has used over the past 40 years. Amos  to match the expenditures.  grants to fix the water pipes in' Town.  Town.  Police cars were purchased from grants.  Thomas also stated hel has 32 PSI water pressure in his home. Brittaney Sutherland inquired about just leaving the rate at 2000 gallons. Town use an unlimited phone service to lower phone charges.  Brittaney Sutherland inquired about cell phones used by the police officers. She suggested the Brittaney Sutherland inquired about spending $664.00 dollars ai month for inmate meals. There being no further questions or comments, Mayor Lucas closed the Public Hearing at 7:35  p.m.  APPROVAL OF THE WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE  A motion was made by Vice Mayor Kite, seconded by Councilman Fox to approve the water and  sewer rate increase, as proposed. Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vicel Mayor Kite Councilwoman Cave Councilman Fox Councilman Lowe  NAY:None    Councilman Pierce Councilman Reisinger ABSTAIN: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr. VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion  ABSENT: None ADJOURN  There being no further discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Lowe, seconded by  Councilman Fox to adjourn the meeting at' 7:39 p.m.  Members Vote was as follows: YEA: Vicel Mayor Kite Councilwoman Cave Councilman Fox Councilman Lowe Councilman Pierce Counçilman Reisinger  NAY: None  ABSTAIN: Mayor Clinton O. Lucas, Jr. VOTE: Unanimous in favor of motion  ABSENT: None APPROVED:  ATTESTED:  Clinton O. Lucas, Jr., Mayor  Angela Schrimscher, Town Clerk