Utility rates for the City of Eufaula will increase 2.9 percent effective July 1.

The City Council approved the increase following a discussion at Monday’s monthly council meeting. Vice Mayor Tisha Morgan was the only “no” vote.

None of the council members liked having to increase the rates, especially rates have been increasing incremen- tally sine 2018 to pay for the city’s new water and sewer systems.

Those systems have been paid for, however Interim City Manager Andrea Weckmuel-ler Berhinger told the council that continued price increases are affecting the budget.

Inflation, affecting consumer prices across the board, is continuing to erode the gains made by the earlier price hikes.

To continue to maintain the level of service that has been achieved, she said it is necessary to increase rates.

“Due to the costs incurred for all items that support capital investments and maintenance activities related to water production and distribution as well as sewer collection and treatment, staff is also requesting the consideration of a 2.9% increase for water and sewer rates, effective July 1, 2025,” she stated.

The city agreed to the rate hike, but also voted to annually re-examine the rates.

Current water rates are basically $62.50 residential, $64.50 commercial and $72.70 outside the city limits. Those rates will increase on July 1 to $64.31, $66.37 and $74.60, respectively.

Sewer rates are $13 residential and commercial and $21 outside the city. They will increase to $13.38, $13.37 and $21.61, respectively.

Weckmueller-Berhinger said the rate increase is “consistent with the increase in the Consumer Price Index published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

Street name change

In honor of two of the city’s leading citizens, the late Max Bridges and his late son Randy Bridges, the council approved the renaming of First Street, between Selmon Road and Pine Avenue “Bridges Street” and proclaimed Monday, May 5, “Bridges Family Day in the City of Eufaula.”

The proclamation stated: “Max Bridges opened B & F Furniture in 1968, which remained a cornerstone of Main Street for 60 years. Max, a veteran of the Korean Conflict, started the Eufaula Fireworks Show and hosted a community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Randy continued these traditions, ensuring their lasting impact on the community; “Max and Randy both served as Chamber of Commerce officers and contributed countless hours to the success of this organization. In addition, Randy, as President of the Alumni Association, established the Eufaula Alumni Hall of Fame, which continues to honor outstanding alumni today.”

Xtreme RV Resort Changes

The council approved a request by Xtreme RV Resorts owner Ron Henry to transfer his leases of Katt Daddys Cove (Captain John’s), Eufaula Cove Marina, and Jelly Stone Park to New Haven Holdings, LLC.

While Henry owns the businesses, the property on which the businesses stand is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who leases the land to the City of Eufaula, who then subleases to Henry.

New Haven Holdings, LLC., reached an agreement to buy the three businesses from Henry, pending approval by the Corps and the city.

Other business

– agreed to pay Hance Pyrotechnics of Tahlequah $37,410.04 for the July 4 fireworks celebration. Only Councilman Roger Barton, who recalled spending only $5,000 for the event, voted no.

– agreed to contracts with attorney Greg Stidham, new municipal judge, and Kay Wall, long-time city attorney. Stidham also serves as Assistant District Attorney for McIntosh County.

– rescinded a 2024 ordinance governing Mobile Food Vendors and agreed to draft a new ordinance. Weckmuel-ler Berhinger said the earlier ordinance was poorly written and unenforceable.