The Jemison City Council voted Monday to adopt an ordinance to increase usage rates for the city’s water customers.

The council approved an increase of 50 cents per 1,000 gallons of water per customer, which Mayor Eddie Reed said would result in each customer paying about $1 more per month, or about $12 more per year.

Reed said the increase is “necessary” to help pay for the city’s impending water tank renovations.

Reed also said the city has not invoked a water rate increase since 2006.

In other new business, the council approved to rescind a motion made in 2013 establishing a rental rate of $200 per month for the Chilton County YMCA to lease the rescue building from the city for an after-school program.

Instead of requiring the YMCA to pay the rental rate, the council approved Monday for the YMCA to pay for utilities at the rescue building on Alagasco and Alabama Power bills from Jan. 22 through Feb. 20, then continuing through May.

In other business, the council:

•Approved a resolution regarding a monetary donation the city received from an anonymous donor.

•Approved a resolution regarding required insurance for city employees.

•Heard from visitor Louise Pitts, principal at Jemison Elementary School, who gave an update on the school’s enrollment and told council members she is running for the position of Chilton County Schools Superintendent this year.

•Approved city council minutes from March 3.

•Entered into executive session for about 10 minutes to discuss security plans for city hall and a matter of trade and commerce.