LOXLEY, Alabama — The Loxley Town Council approved its annual 2 percent rate increase at its regular monthly council meeting on Sept. 11.

In December of 2013, after considering a 6 percent increase in utility rates, which would have brought the town up-to-date on its utility rates, the council voted on a 4 percent rate increase after it was discovered that rates had not been increased since before 2010, despite increasing costs.

In 2010, the council adopted an ordinance requiring rates to be raised based on the Consumer Price Index, but officials discovered in 2013 that the rates had not increased since the ordinance was adopted.

In 2015, the council adopted a proposal to increase the town’s rates to the nearest dollar amount. An amendment was also placed in the town’s ordinance to automatically increase the rates 2 percent each year.

Rate increases for 2017 include:

Water

•First 2,000 gallons or less, increase from $24.48 to $24.97 minimum monthly.

•First 2,000 gallons or less where the head of household is 65 or older, increase from $19.38 to $19.77 minimum monthly.

•Next 8,000 gallons, increase from $5.10 per 1,000 gallons to $5.20 per 1,000 gallons.

•Over 10,000 gallons, increase from $3.85 per 1,000 gallons to $3.91 per 1,000 gallons.

Sewer

•Residential: increase from $26.52 to $27.05 per month.

•Residential where head of household is 65 or older: Increase from $19.38 to $19.77 per month.

•Commercial or Industrial: 80 percent of monthly water bill, increase from a minimum of $27.54 to $28.09 per month.

Garbage

•Residential, single-family dwelling unit, limited to two garbage cans not to exceed 50 gallons or 50 pounds capacity each: Increase from $17.34 to $17.69 per month.

•Residential, single-family dwelling where head of household is 65 or older: Increase from $14.28 to $14.57 per month.

•Businesses: Limited to four garbage cans not to exceed 50 gallons capacity each. Increase from $20.40 to $20.81 per month. All businesses requiring more than four garbage cans shall retain the services of a private garbage service for all its garbage needs.

Electrical service for the town is provided in some areas by Riviera Utilities and in other areas by Baldwin EMC, who sets the rates for their customers, Mayor Billy Middleton said.

In other business Sept. 11, the council approved a proclamation declaring Loxley as a Purple Heart Town in the State of Alabama.

Several members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Baldwin County, as well as Purple Heart recipients were present for the declaration.

“Particularly on Sept. 11, when we remember those who lost their lives on that day 16 years ago, we need to remember the sacrifices of all of those who have died for our country,” Middleton said, “and all those who continue to serve.”

Other action taken included:

•Renewed press box banner at J.D. Sellars Stadium in Robertsdale at a cost of $450.

•Transferred ownership for a portion of Fackler Road to Baldwin County for road maintenance.

•Approved its annual contract for services with the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at a cost of $4,200.

•Approved pro rata dues for the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission at a cost of $1,881.

•Approved a contract with “Keeping It Clean” cleaning service for the Loxley Library, $30 per cleaning; Loxley Utility Building, total cost of $210; Loxley Police Department, $85, two days per week; Dispatch Building, $30 per cleaning; Magistrate Building, $35 per cleaning.

•Approved roof replacement for Loxley Utilities Department mechanics shop at a cost of $5,400.

•Approved replacement of electric door for mechanics shop at a cost of $5,750.