Piedmont council approves improvements to cities electric system

Faced with having to make improvements to the infrastructure of their municipal power system, the  Piedmont City Council  voted unanimously to spend $48,000 to improve two municipal power substations. The substations are a critical part of the city-operated power system and without improvements the city can’t supply power to all of its customers when the electrical demand peaks.  The City Council postponed a decision to increase utility start-up fees, an increase recommended by electric superintendent Casey Ponder. Council members cited concerns that the move might be unfair to some residents.  Under the proposal, renters would have to pay $400 for utility deposits, while homeowners would  only pay $300. City officials who support the policy say the move would help the city recoup revenue lost to renters who leave without paying their last month’s bill.  Councilwoman Brenda Spears said she thought the decision would be a mistake calling it a lawsuit waiting to happen by discriminating between the people who can afford a house and the people who rent.  The issue was tabled by the council.