NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester's three tax-exempt organizations doubled their share of the ambulance service support tax, lifting the burden from small business owners opposed to potentially paying too much, the town council announced Wednesday.

With preliminary restructuring, Manchester College will pay $850 per month, Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home Inc., $1,400 per month and Peabody Retirement Community, $1,700 per month.

The three groups voluntarily agreed to double their costs earlier this week, Manchester College public relations director Jeri S. Kornegay said. The agreement was made, then the town was notified, she said.

"We recognize the importance of ambulance service to the community," Timbercrest administrator David Lawrenz said.

"We are committed to this commuity. This is our home," Kornegay said.

Small businesses, most defined as "commercial" in General Ordinance No. 7, saw their monthly rate per water meter drop from $30 to $5 per month.

All rates for dwelling units in town will increase from $1.50 to $2 per month.

"Industrial" zoned businesses' rates dropped from $75 to $40 per month per meter. "Public" and "governmental" facilities will be charged $20.

"This could cost the town businesses," resident Debbie Chalk said.

The council is arranging a committee to discuss the ordinance. Subsequent readings will continue at both December council meetings.

The tax is a means of raising funds to cover the shortfall in providing ambulance service to the town. The federal government cut Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

The restructuring trumped upset residents ready to voice concerns. The public hearing lasted nearly two hours.

Council president Don Rinearson said later that the consensus was for more equity in distribution.

"If you own a business, people think you've got more money than God," said Dave Randell, owner of Werking Studio. "We pay more taxes than the individuals out there."

Henry A. Becker, president of Rotam Tooling Co., urged clarification of the definitions of "commercial" and "industrial" business. Businesses are zoned differently while performing similar tasks, which will leave two different costs, he said.

"We've got work to do on Section 2" of the ordinance, vice president Stan Escott said after the two-hour hearing.

North Manchester town council includes president Don Rinearson, vice president Stan Escott, Karl Merritt, Warren Garner and Bill Hix. The town attorney is Charles Tiede. Clerk-treasurer is Nancy Reed. Town manager is Dan Hannaford. [[In-content Ad]]