Government - page 16

Effective November 2023, the City of Orange is making the following rate increases:

Base water rate (first 1000 gallons) + $0.75
– Each additional 1000 gallons of water + $0.18

Waste Management 1 cart (residential) + $1.86 per month plus tax
– Additional Carts (residential) + $1.22 per month plus tax

Waste Management 1 cart (commercial) + $2.38 per month plus tax
– Additional Carts (commercial) + $1.68 per month plus tax

If you currently are on an automatic bank draft, please make any necessary adjustments to your account as a result of this increase.

The City reviews its rates annually and adjusts as necessary to ensure the reliability and maintenance of basic water and sewer services in our community. The City’s staff is committed to managing these costs in the most efficient and sustainable way while maintaining our commitment to the City’s future growth.

Due to current conditions, County Judge John Gothia has issued an Outdoor Burn Ban effective immediately October 25, 2023, at 11:30 AM Central) for Orange County until further notice.

As of today, all outdoor burning is prohibited. This ban is due to drought conditions that have increased to previous levels in the area.

This is an effort to protect the lives and properties of the residents in Orange County. Officials will continue to monitor these conditions.

West Orange is offering its citizens the opportunity to enhance the quality of life of their current and future residents to help provide resources for growth and the creation of jobs for their residents.

On November 7, 2023, West Orange citizens will have an opportunity to support an election to enhance the future of West Orange by supporting a referendum to provide for establishing an Economic Development Corporation that helps to create jobs, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood enhancements, and overall quality of life improvements.

The creation of this Corporation does not affect residents’ property taxes in any way but will help West Orange grow and be more attractive to future businesses and area improvements.

If passed, the Economic Development Corporation would be created and made up of seven citizens who would be in charge of reviewing projects and proposals.

Early voting begins October 23, 2023, and will be considered with the state and County elections.

Due to the recent rainfall and a reduction in the fire danger index, Orange County Judge John Gothia is lifting the burn ban immediately for Orange County.

Judge Gothia is still asking County residents to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activity.