McAlester approves rate hike to plug budget hole

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- The McAlester City Council is raising rates for ambulance service, water and sewer, building inspections and court costs.<br/><br/>The council also decided to charge for burn permits

Wednesday, September 28th 2005, 10:35 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- The McAlester City Council is raising rates for ambulance service, water and sewer, building inspections and court costs.

The council also decided to charge for burn permits and will delay paying the city's bills for two weeks.

The rate increases are intended to help the city close a $1-million shortfall in the city budget.

City officials say the shortage is due to debt payments on bonds that are growing by 15 percent a year and sales tax revenue that's below what was projected.

The council is raising ambulance rates from $350 to $450 per call, court costs will rise from $18 to $25 and building inspections fees will go up at least $5. The council is also requiring permits for open burning that will cost $25 to $50.

City Manager Susan Monroe has also said layoffs are possible, but only as a "worst-case" scenario.