LINGLE – The Lingle town council on Wednesday approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 333 to increase electric rates in the community at its regular meeting. The rate increase is due to refinancing at Wyoming Municipal Power Agency and will raise consumer costs from 11.5 to 13 cents per kilowatt.
The new rates will go into effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year, July 1, 2017 – provided the ordinance passes its next two readings.
“By state law we are required to increase rates as we (receive increases),” Mayor George Siglin said.
The last rate hike was in 2013, Clerk-Treasurer Michele Sussex said.
In other business:
• The council approved paying bills in the amount of nearly $120,000.
• Police Chief Endra Moen said she discussed reinstating a contract with Torrington Police Department Animal Control Officer Teri Shinost to handle animal calls when Moen isn’t available. The council will consider the contract at a later date.
• Pool manager Brandi Hill reported lifeguards will start training on May 15.
• Town Attorney Greg Knudsen drafted the town’s concealed weapon ordinance to include explosives, etc. as deadly weapons, and to clarify who can carry concealed weapons and where within Lingle limits.
“This just puts us in line with what the (state) statutes are,” Knudsen said.
• Maintenance Supervisor Larry Haeffelin said he hopes the new sand-volleyball pit will be finished by Friday.
• The next council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at 5 p.m. at Lingle Town Hall.
