The Board of Aldermen for the Village of Hodge met on Tuesday, June 6th where they adopted an Ordinance that will increase utility rates for residential and commercial customers. Also agreed to by council members Willard Willis, Steve Fox, and Martha Buchan was adopting the general budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 and selling the Old Town Hall for no less than $180,000.00.

While much discussion was had, what wasn’t agreed to was the agenda item relating to parking on certain streets in the village. At issue was the proposition to prohibit parking on the following streets:

North First Street between Hunt and Mill Street
North Second Street between Hunt and Mill Street
Mill Street
West Pine Street
Oak Street
South 4th Street
Adjacent to any Fire Hydrant

The reasoning behind denying parking on either side of the aforementioned streets was that with cars parked on both sides, emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances along with school buses don’t have enough room to travel down the road. 

When the floor was opened for discussion, several concerned citizens who live along the roadways expressed their contention. Objections were heard because there was no room to park near their homes, some had handicap issues and questions arose wondering if exemptions could be included.

After all was heard, Mayor Gerald Palmer asked the council to table the final decision to allow for more research into additional viable solutions could be obtained to which the council agreed. 

Regarding the increase of utility rates, deemed necessary due to the continually rising cost of operation, the following was agreed to:

Water Rates:
Residential: Increase to $30.00 per month with no increase in rates for usage over 3000 plus gallons per month and additional incremental amounts. 
Commercial: Increase to  $75.00 per month. 

Sewer Rates:
Residential: Increase to $20.00 per month
Commercial:: Increase to $30.00 per month

Sanitation Rates:
Residential: Increase to $20.00 per month
Commercial: Increase to $30.00 per month

In additional action, Mayor Palmer asked the council to approve his negotiating with Optimum regarding their offer of Internet and Phone service which he received the go-ahead, and reports from the Police and Fire Department heads were heard.