Vote is aimed to lower non-payment water fee

Walhalla’s leaders cast the first of two votes in favor of easing the plight of water customers who are behind in paying their monthly bills. At David Underwood’s urging, the council voted 4 to 2 to lower the non-payment or re-connect charge from $65 dollars to $35 dollars. Councilmen Bagwell and Roberts cast the two no votes. An attempt by Roberts to set the fee at $45 dollars failed for the lack of a second. He said he was motivated by the utilities superintendent’s explanation of the true costs to the city for re-connecting someone’s water service both during regular business hours and after hours.