Louisville Metro Council Votes 2% Increase on Natural Gas

The Courier-Journal reported that the Louisville Metro Council narrowly voted for a 2 percent fee to be paid by many Louisville Gas & Electric natural gas customers. The fee was proposed by Mayor Greg Fischer last month. The expected start date of the fee is December 1.

Residents of old Louisville and the unincorporated county will be expected to pay an additional $13 a year per household. The increase will generate about $3.6 million a year. Mayor Fischer plans to use this money to fund public safety improvements, most notably new police officers to keep city streets safe.

As expected, there is much debate over this issue. Some city leaders say the increase is needed because the money for public safety programs is “not there.” Louisville residents feel as though they are taxed enough and would like the programs to be paid with existing funds.

Written by Bob Jones