New city manager in town

A public hearing on proposed water and sewer rate increases is scheduled Monday before the Orland City Council.

The new city manager will be introduced, and interim Chief J.C. Tolle is expected to be appointed as the permanent chief of police.

Carr's three-year employment contract was approved by the council May 7, and Carr is set to start work May 24.

Tolle has served in the role since the resignation of former Chief Paula Carr last fall.

The council meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Center, 912 Third St.

Comment will be sought from city residents about the suggested rate hikes designed to cover maintenance costs and expenses for the water and sewer systems.

Finance Director Daryl Brock recommends raising the rates 18.22 percent for water and 21.69 percent on sewer service.

If approved by the council, the rates would go from $24 bi monthly for water service to $28.37 for customers living within the city limits and $56.75 for those served outside the city limits, officials said.

The rate per 1,000 gallons used above the regular 15,000 gallon allotment would rise from 60 cents to 71 cents.

Sewer rates would go from $24.85 bi monthly to $30.24 for those living in the city limits and to 58.41 outside of them.

In other business, the council is to review its 2011 General Plan and Housing Element annual progress report and direct staff to submit it to the state Department of Housing and Community Development and governor's Office of Planning and Research.

Consideration of a request to dedicate Roosevelt Field to George Molina also is up for consideration, according to Interim City Manager Gail Wingard.

Wingard also is seeking council guidance on a proposed addition to the Orland Free Library to increase its space on the south side of the existing building.

The Orland Friends of the Library organization also is to be recognized concerning this project, Wingard said.

For more information, call 865-1600 or visit the city's website at www.cityoforland.com.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.