The Walter E. Brooker Center in Denmark on Thursday evening, September 17, was filled with Denmark citizens expressing their views and opinions on the city’s proposed 45 percent increase in water and sewer rates.

Denmark Mayor Gerald Wright gave the background of the problems affecting the water system leading up to this point, which included: The closing of two wells because of contamination, the purchasing of water from the City of Bamberg, the expenses the city incurred in reopening the Cox Mill Well the last two years and the securing of funds of $860,000 for two new wells which is well short of the $900,000 cost of the wells.

Wright stated in order for the city to secure funds in the future it must show to the funding source the city’s ability to maintain the system. “We must develop a business plan to show that our system is viable,” Wright said.

The mayor noted the city is in the process of replacing hydrants and valves and is seeking funds to begin replacing the water distribution center. “The cost is going to be tremendous. The only source of funding that we have to meet the requirements placed on the city is to get funds from the services provided. The increase in rates is the only option we have left and that is where we are now.”

One suggestion was made that the City of Denmark work out a system with the City of Bamberg, where Bamberg could be the managing agency stating that, “when we needed help, where did we turn? Bamberg. It was noted that Bamberg was paid substantially for the water it sold to Denmark.

Denmark citizen Herman Brabham, said his main concern with the water is paying for something that he couldn’t use. “I don’t want to start paying for something that I’m not going to be able to use. If I have to let my water run for two or three hours before it clears up and I’m being charged for it, I don’t think that’s fair. If there is an increase, I think that it should be done after the system is repaired.”

Denmark Attorney David Crum wanted to know where the money was that was put aside 14 or 15 years ago specifically for the water and sewer systems. “What ever happened to those funds, Crum asked?” Crum also wanted to know if the city had been using funds from the water and sewer accounts to run the city and if city council members had voted to give themselves a raise? He was told that there was no money in reserve accounts and council members hadn’t received a raise.

Denmark resident Eugene Smith came again before council on behalf of his brother who is a paraplegic. Smith told council again that his brother couldn’t use the water to wash because of the possibility of infections. “I’m asking council to work something out for him, please try to correct this for him,” Smith said. He also said the fire hydrant in front of his brother’s house didn’t work, which he said pose a serious problem for his brother if there was a fire.

Denmark resident Harold Johnson said that while acknowledging “we all know that something has to be done” this was not the right time for a 45 percent rate increase. “Going up on rates 45 percent at this time will not only hurt the citizens, but schools and colleges that already have their budgets in place. “I hope that council and the mayor will go back reevaluate and look at the whole picture.”

Another concern was expressed about how low income families and people on fixed incomes could afford a rate increase? One citizen suggested council look at making cuts in other areas of the budget.