Bethlehem Village Council voted unanimously to increase its water and sewer rates starting Oct. 1, but not before hearing objections from one resident.

Briarwood Drive resident Bob Stahl said during a public hearing Monday that if council voted in favor of the increases, his combined water and sewage bills would cost him an extra $207.60 annually, this on top of his other expenses increasing. He was the only resident to speak against the rates.

"Enough is enough. It's about time that someone stood up and considered alternatives. Maybe a hard look at the budget will allow some cutbacks in expenses to ease the burden on the taxpayers of the village," Stahl said.

Council later approved two ordinances: one to increase water rates by 20 percent, and another to increase sewer rates by 35 percent. First readings of the ordinances were conducted July 6.

Council said the increases are necessary to offset increases imposed on the village by the city of Wheeling. Bethlehem buys water from Wheeling, and its sewage is treated by Wheeling.

The average monthly water rate increase will be an extra $4.22 for residents and $5.01 for businesses. The increased costs also are based on consumption. For example, those who use up to 3,000 gallons will be charged an additional $2.64 per month, while 6,000 gallons will equal $5.01 more per month.

The average monthly sewer rate increase will be an extra $8.04 for residents and $10.76 for businesses. Sewer rate increases also are based on consumption of water. For example, those who use up to 3,000 gallons per month would be charged an extra $5.16 per month for sewage, while 6,000 gallons would equal $9.48 more per month.

In other matters, council will let an Ohio County Circuit Court judge decide whether it is OK to waive covenants on parcels related to gambling and alcohol sales. The property in question is owned by Apex storage, but Gumby's plans to purchase it and wants to operate five limited video gambling machines there.

However, in 2000, when selling the parcels, council at that time placed covenants on the properties, stating that they can't be used for gambling, alcohol sales or adult oriented business.

Village Solicitor T.C. McCarthy recommended that to limit the village's and council members' liability, Apex and Gumby's should jointly file a "friendly" legal in action in circuit court, asking that the judge decide if it's OK for the village to overlook the covenants.

After much discussion, in a 7-2 vote council approved a motion allowing the gambling machines contingent on the judge's decision. Voting against the motion were Councilmen Stephen Harasuik and Mark Bauer. Voting in favor were Thomas Auten, Recorder Don Junkins, Kent Pascoli, Mark Saseen, Stanley Wojcik, Robert Henry and Mayor Garrett Daniel.

Meanwhile, council approved hiring Lash Excavating and Paving for $110,244 to pave Walnut and Cedar lanes. No start date was mentioned.