MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Council voted 5-1 to pass a resolution that would protest AEP Ohio’s cap on rate switching.
“Governmental aggregation provides an opportunity for residential and small business consumers collectively to particiapte in the potential benefits of electricity deregulation through lower electric rates than they otherwise would not be able to obtain individually,” the resolution states.
Council members like Bruce Hawkins, Mike Hillier and Jay Maners were receptive to approving the resolution after its third reading because they felt the caps encouraged by AEP Ohio were unfair to consumers and were only initiated to benefit the utility provider.
Nancy Vail voted against the measure stating she believes the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio was developed to look after the best interests of the resident of Ohio and does not feel council should “second guess or try to influence” the commission.
Second readings were heard on ordinances that would prohibit night parking in the Municipal Building unless “current, legitimate business” need to be conducted; and would remove the option to rent parking spaces in the same building.
An ordinance to change the traffic pattern on Plum Alley was indefinitely postponed. Council members want to explore if other options are viable, or necessary, regarding the alley.