Jackson board ups utility rates

The Jackson Board of Aldermen voted to increase water and electric rates at the same rate as the national inflation rate Monday night.

It was the first time the city has used its statutory authority to raise the rates with inflation.

City administrator Jim Roach said the city will likely stick to the inflation increases on a yearly basis.

He said it makes better business sense to raise the rates 2 percent annually than to raise it 20 percent 10 years from now.

Assistant city administrator LarryKoenig said the increase will be about 2.3 percent for 2005.

The increase will go into effect in January and be reflected in February's bill.

Headlight ordinance

The board of aldermen also passed an ordinance Monday night which will give city police the authority to issue citations to motorists who do not have their lights on when it is raining.

The ordinance follows a state statute that's already on the books.

The fine for an infraction cannot exceed $10 and no court costs can be assessed.