Bethany City Council Approves Natural Gas And Electric Rate Decreases

Bethany’s Board of Aldermen approved decrease to both the natural gas and electric rates which will be charged to customers, effectively immediately, during their first March meeting held Monday night. The decreases will both be 10 percent. The natural gas decrease will now offset the 10 percent increase which had been approved by the council in October.

City Treasurer Amber Sanders recommended both the decreases. She told council members that the gas decrease is feasible because the large fees which had been anticipated for the city did not materialize. The current city gas reserve fund is also ahead of the balance at this time last year.

The 10 percent decrease in the electric rate was recommended since the electric fund had been projected with a $400,000 loss but actually increased by $350,000. The reserve balance of the electric reserve fund is nearly $4 million.

Bethany Parks and Recreation Board President Patrick Miller detailed some the Park Department’s projects. He detailed the work being undertaken at Babe Adams Field. He says work is concentrated now in developing the parking area at Babe Adams Field. The parking area will be expanded to nearly double the parking availability. The area will be graveled soon. The goal is to also have the new bathrooms and concession stand operational in time for the first home baseball games of South Harrison High School.

Work is also being done for the sports courts located at the former site of the tennis courts. The sports courts will include pickleball and basketball. There are also some goals of creating pickleball and outdoor basketball leagues.

He reported that attention will turn to Prentiss Park when the upgrades at Babe Adams are completed. The Prentiss Park upgrades will address bathroom availability and the upgrade of the sand volleyball area. He also says the cardio room will receive a facelift at the Bethany Community Gym with the purchase of new cardio equipment. The department is also working with the Harrison County Health Department for upgrading the parking area at the Bethany Community Gym.

City Administrator Jacob Taylor reported that the Economic Development Position will not be offered at this time. There is a candidate for the Street Department Position which will likely be announced later this month.

Council members approved a bid for a lawnmower and transformers for stock at the session.