Eudora council OKs sewer rate increase

Despite some opposition from residents, sewer rates are rising in Eudora.

The Eudora City Council on Monday approved an increase that amounts to about $4.25 extra per household for those using the average 4,000 gallons a month. Prior to the increase, average households were paying $18 monthly.

According to City Administrator Mike Yanez, the increase is necessary to fund infrastructure improvements demanded by the community’s growth. Currently, five new housing developments have been approved and many more are in the works, said Eudora City Engineer Cecil Kingsley. The city has more new development coming than its current sewage system can handle.

Money raised with the rate increase will be used to construct two sewer lines, one in the middle of Eudora, and the other on the east side of town.

The ordinance will be published next week, and the increase will be reflected in billings starting around July 25.

Confirmation hearing today for KCC nominee

Topeka — Michael Moffet of Lawrence, who has been a consultant for the past six years to SBC Communications Inc., will be up for confirmation today to the Kansas Corporation Commission, an agency that regulates the telecommunications industry.

Moffet, 53, has said he can be impartial on the KCC despite his employment background. The three-member KCC also regulates the energy and trucking industries.

The Confirmation Oversight Committee will consider Moffet’s appointment by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius at its 1:30 p.m. meeting in room 241 North of the Capitol.

If confirmed, Moffet is scheduled to be sworn into office later in the day at the KCC.

Board renames former East Heights School

East Heights School now will be called East Heights Early Childhood Family Center.

Lawrence school board members unanimously approved the name change at a meeting Monday night.

The board closed the elementary school in May 2003. However, the district continues to use the facility. All district early-childhood programs, such as family literacy programs and at-risk pre-kindergarten classes, relocated to the building in fall 2003.