Matt Briggs of Briggs and Brown Pine Grove Laundromat met with the Pine Grove Town Council during their meeting Monday night to inquire about the high sewage rate he is dealing with in his business in hopes to find an answer and a solution to lowering the rate.

“The utility bill is killing us,” Briggs began. “Why is my rate so much higher than what other communities are paying?” Mayor Dave Barr explained that the the system was rated for a population of 1,000 but only about 600 are presently in the area, lending to unavoidably higher costs per household and business. “Our sewer rates are obscene,” Barr concurred.

Briggs asked if an industrial rate was available, to which the mayor said that all “large” users in the area have the same rate. “I understand your problem, but I don’t know that we have a solution,” said Barr. “Until we get the system rebuilt, I don’t know of anything we can do for you.”

“I see it as the biggest detriment to this town,” said Briggs referring to the sewage rate. “It’s hard to have a business in this town.” Councilman Tom Dulaney agreed, adding that in communities “dying off,” those that are left have to pay the bills.

However, the council hopes that with the upgrades to the sewer system underway, the town will see lower rates in the near future, noting that the gravity system will be more efficient and maintenance should be decreased. Barr said that after 10 years of planning, the sewer system upgrade project will begin this summer and the project is estimated to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Satisfied with the information shared, Briggs concluded, “I hope it does get cheaper for everybody, not just me.”

Relatedly, Barr told the council that last Wednesday the contracts were signed to those who won the bids for the sewer project. Michel, Inc., out of Clarksburg, W.Va., and Cowgirl Up, Inc., out of Simpson, W.Va., will be working on the upgrades beginning this summer. Michel, Inc., will be working on waste water treatment plant improvements and Cowgirl Up, Inc., will be working on collection system improvements. The project is estimated to cost $1.5 million total. Mayor Barr added that a post-bid conference is scheduled for March 1 at 1 p.m.

Regarding rates, the town also discussed whether or not to raise the garbage rates in the town. At last month’s meeting the mayor addressed the issue, saying he didn’t believe some businesses which produce much more garbage were paying their share. Upon Mayor Barr’s request Trash Committee Chairman John Wells presented his report on what other areas were being charged, and after much discussion the council agreed with councilman Brian Price’s idea to weigh the total garbage collected from residences and businesses separately to measure the weight difference to help determine if raising the collection rates for one or both is needed. To this end, letters will be sent to area businesses within the next few weeks notifying them of their temporarily augmented trash-pick schedule.

In other matters, it was noted that the Christmas Lights Committee raised an impressive $300 in one month’s time. Also, councilman Dave Williams told the council that due to his work schedule he was stepping down as chairman of the Fourth of July Festival this year. The council thanked him for his service in this capacity over the years and is seeking a chairman to take over such duties for this year’s event.

Lastly, the council approved three organizations to use the Byrd Center free of charge to house benefits. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the center on March 2, Valley High School will use the facilities on April 21 for their prom, and the Folsom Volunteer Fire Department will use the center on May 5 for an EMS/VFD fund raiser.