Claypool Looks At Phone Service
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
CLAYPOOL - An estimated 70 to 80 people attended Monday's Claypool Town Council meeting in hopes of quashing rumors and getting answers to a variety of questions.
Clerk-treasurer Shelly Thomas said the majority of residents were interested in knowing what the future holds for telephone service to the Claypool area. Many, she said, read the letter to the editor published in Monday's Times-Union and "wanted to know what was going on."
Residents have been urged by the council in recent months to contact GTE regarding poor service in the 566 exchange. Also, petitions seeking a wider calling range were circulated; all telephone calls outside the 566 exchange are billed as long distance.
Thomas said the petitions are in the hands of GTE and United Telephone officials and that financial studies are being undertaken. The telephone companies have 120 days to decide what will be done regarding local/long-distance service.
As far as general service is concerned, a letter from GTE guarantees that the lines will be updated by May 15, 1998.
Other questions regarded wages of town employees and the possibility of increasing water rates.
Thomas said a lot of people didn't realize the extent of the duties of the town's two utility workers, who also serve as police officers. Also, Bob Murphy of Murphy and Associates explained that the town's property taxes were frozen in 1975 and the town has been unable to collect updated amounts.
Additionally, rumors that the water rates would be increased were set aside. If any increases are made, it would be for sewer rates only.
Many residents, Thomas said, commented after the meeting that they were really glad they came because the discussions that took place helped clarify issues for them.
In other business, the town passed an ordinance annexing 35 acres of ground adjacent to town limits that is targeted for a housing development.
If no remonstrance is made, the property will officially become part of the town after 60 days.
The next meeting is at 7 p.m. May 19 in the fire station. [[In-content Ad]]
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CLAYPOOL - An estimated 70 to 80 people attended Monday's Claypool Town Council meeting in hopes of quashing rumors and getting answers to a variety of questions.
Clerk-treasurer Shelly Thomas said the majority of residents were interested in knowing what the future holds for telephone service to the Claypool area. Many, she said, read the letter to the editor published in Monday's Times-Union and "wanted to know what was going on."
Residents have been urged by the council in recent months to contact GTE regarding poor service in the 566 exchange. Also, petitions seeking a wider calling range were circulated; all telephone calls outside the 566 exchange are billed as long distance.
Thomas said the petitions are in the hands of GTE and United Telephone officials and that financial studies are being undertaken. The telephone companies have 120 days to decide what will be done regarding local/long-distance service.
As far as general service is concerned, a letter from GTE guarantees that the lines will be updated by May 15, 1998.
Other questions regarded wages of town employees and the possibility of increasing water rates.
Thomas said a lot of people didn't realize the extent of the duties of the town's two utility workers, who also serve as police officers. Also, Bob Murphy of Murphy and Associates explained that the town's property taxes were frozen in 1975 and the town has been unable to collect updated amounts.
Additionally, rumors that the water rates would be increased were set aside. If any increases are made, it would be for sewer rates only.
Many residents, Thomas said, commented after the meeting that they were really glad they came because the discussions that took place helped clarify issues for them.
In other business, the town passed an ordinance annexing 35 acres of ground adjacent to town limits that is targeted for a housing development.
If no remonstrance is made, the property will officially become part of the town after 60 days.
The next meeting is at 7 p.m. May 19 in the fire station. [[In-content Ad]]