Sewer Rates, Bailey Compensation on Agenda

The Canton City Council will look at a possible sewer and water rate increase and approving a settlement payout to a former Canton Police Department sergeant during their meeting this evening.

Councilman Bill Bryan added a last-minute agenda item to the agenda, which deals with a possible 4.5 percent increase on water and sewer rates for the next five years. 

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A second important proposal before the board is the approval of the , who sued the city last year for alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Earlier this week, both parties expressed satisfaction with the settlement. City attorney Robert Dyer said the city was prepared to defend itself in court but felt a settlement was a more financially prudent option.

Bailey's lawyer Lance LoRusso said his client was "disappointed" that she was not properly paid overtime and merit pay compensation, but was happy that the city had decided to settle her case.

The city council will also discuss:

• Discussion on whether or not the city should entertain any consolidation talk with Cherokee County regarding fire services. Councilman John Beresford brought the motion forward during the last meeting, but tabled it as the main opposition to his plan was absent.
• Compensation adjustments for the mayor and council. In December, the council voted to raise salaries for future mayors and councilmembers, but Mayor Gene Hobgood vetoed the motion because he felt it would not be wise to raise salaries during this economic downturn. Proponents of the raises feel that there is little incentive for the next generation of mayors and councilmembers to run for office due to the low pay.
• Quotes for the Marietta Streetscape construction management project. Councilman Glen Cummins brought some flak from fellow council member Bob Rush when he suggested the city look for quotes from other companies after the original bid had already been publicized.
• Awarding the contract for a parking study to Rich and Associates. Part of the plan deals with the possibility of constructing a parking garage to acommodate extra traffic to the city.
• Amending the budget to pay for a fire services study by Ecological Planning Group. The study will investigate the best way to fund fire services for the city, and examine options such as a hybrid volunteer-professional system.
• Numerous items related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The city has until the end of 2013 to complete the projects listed on the county's five year plan.

The agenda for Thursday's meeting is attached to this article.

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, Canton-Sixes Patch will host a live stream of the proceedings starting at 6 p.m.