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The town of Beverly is beginning the process of putting together a puzzle that council hopes eventually will result in better service for its customers. Monday, council approved the first and second reading of an ordinance that would increase water rates by 32 percent in three different phases, if approved by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

In February, Mayor David Harper received a letter from the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council explaining the town's preliminary application to "repair and rehabilitate" the existing water plant, establish an emergency water connection to the Huttonsville Public Service District and connect Dodson Run and Files Creek to King's Run water lines as technically feasible.

After reviewing the preliminary application, the WVIJDC determined Beverly should pursue a nearly $1.8 million Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Fund loan to pay for the project. However, in order to apply for the loan, the WVPSC told the town it must increase its water rates a minimum of 32 percent.

Harper explained that the project is needed because as water lines extend farther away from town, they decrease in size from 6 inches to 4 inches and then to 2 inches. The change in size results in decreased water pressure, especially in areas that have had more development, such as Dodson Run, Files Creek and Kings Run, Harper said. The water project would provide 6-inch pipes from town to the roads to ensure better service and pressure. But, project designs for the treatment plant and lines, as well as the rate increases, still have to be approved.

"That's (the rate increase) just part of the puzzle," Harper said.

According to data from West Virginia Public Service Commission, as of July 24, out of 430 water providers Beverly ranked as the 54th lowest rate in the state based on the cost per 4,500 gallons used. That's one of the reasons why the PSC tells Beverly it needs a 36 percent increase, Harper explained. Even after the rate increase, the 2010 Census data will increase median household incomes, he added.

"It just seems like we're always falling behind," Harper commented.

If the PSC approves the rate increase, the first phase would go into effect Nov. 1; the second phase, Nov. 1, 2010; and the final phase of the increase would go into effect when the project is completed.

Currently metered rates within the city limits are $4.16 per 1,000 gallons. The proposed Phase I rates for those living in the city limits is $4.66 per 1,000 gallons. Those living along Kings Run Road, Edgewood Estates, along Dodson Run Road, Files Creek Road Extension and Scott's Lake Road Extension currently pay $6.30 per 1,000 gallons. The proposed Phase I rate for the areas is $7.06 per 1,000 gallons.

Town Accountant Dante Ottolini explained each phase of the increase would be around 12 percent.

The final reading of the ordinance and a public hearing will be presented Sept. 14 during the regularly scheduled council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

In other business of the council, members voted to allow Randolph County Humane Officer Jim Cain to enforce all county animal regulations within the town limits.

Cain explained to council members he is willing to enforce county and city laws within municipalities if asked by the governing body.

Beverly has recently had problems with dogs running loose through the town and discussed the possibility of changing or updating dog ordinances or taxes.