NEWTON FALLS Electric customers to get one-time break on bill

Residential customers will get 25 percent off their electric bill.
By ERIC GROSSO
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEWTON FALLS -- City residents have been given their first present of the Christmas season from city council.
Council introduced an ordinance Monday that would give a one-time break to electric customers.
The decision was made after reviewing the financial stability of the electric utility, according to council members.
Residential customers will get 25 percent off their electric portion of the city utility bill for the billing period that includes Dec. 25. Commercial and industrial customers will receive a 10 percent reduction of their bill.
"It's a nice tradition. It gives back to the citizens. We've been doing it since 1988," said council member Dillwynn Stevens.
The ordinance saved Newton Falls electric customers about $79,000 in 2002. The breaks this year were planned to be consistent with 2002, officials noted.
"It could be higher or lower depending on the temperature in late December and early January," Stevens said.
Collects less revenue
The city does not pay out of pocket for the gift; rather, the city just collects less revenue for that month with the break. Council members said the break will not affect the general fund for the city.
The official ordinance is expected to pass at the regular city council meeting Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., where a public hearing and a final reading will take place.
Also at Monday's meeting, council discussed appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Members voted 3-2 against an amendment to the ordinance that would delay the capital expenditures until the second quarter of 2004.
Council added to the current proposed ordinance, saying that the city manager must seek authorization from council before disbursing any funds for capital expenditure.
The ordinance will be presented for a second reading and a public hearing at the next council meeting.
Also Monday, council announced the Newton Falls Chamber of Commerce will disband as of Dec. 31, 2003. The decision came after a unanimous vote of chamber members Nov. 18.
The duties and materials of the chamber will be given to the Newton Falls Area Commerce Association. Residents are urged to direct all questions to that organization after Dec. 31.