ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — It looks like the City of Robertsdale will be contesting the County Commission's action in awarding a wide swath of Baldwin County to the control of the East Central Baldwin County Water, Sewer and Fire Protection Authority.

The action was taken by the Commission in 2002 and 2008 and gives ECBC jurisdiction over sewer connections in lands outside of incorporated areas in the county. All members, except for Aubrey Grant were present for the meeting.

The problem, Ken Raines, Robertsdale’s attorney, told the council at Monday’s meeting is that ECBC would “control the rates” for most of the county, putting town and city systems at a disadvantage.

“Could they raise rates on people in our own jurisdiction?” asked Raines. He answered his own question, saying, “The answer is yes.”

Mayor Charles Murphy added that some communities are being asked to pay a 4 percent “franchise fee” for future customers that may reside in ECBC jurisdiction.

This, both Murphy and Raines said could lead to customer confusion as to who is providing them service.

“I told them (the County Commission) in 2008 to leave a buffer,” said Murphy. “Water is also an issue.”

The council voted unanimously to start action against ECBC.

The City received some good news from the state Attorney General. According to Chief Financial Officer Ann Simpson, the city utility’s plan to “round up” electrical bills was approved. Simpson and the city’s utility company were set to go ahead with the idea. The “extra” collected will be placed in a fund to help Robertsdale customers that have a temporary emergency with paying their electric bill. Catholic Social Services will administer the program.

“We’ll put this in the newsletter to customers and on the December billing statement,” said Simpson. Customers who do not want to be involved in the program, which rounds bill up to the nearest whole dollar will be able to “opt out” of the program.

“We hope to turn it on in January,” said Simpson.

In other action, the council:

— Reappointed Tex Kline and Brenda Breedlove to the Zoning Board of Adjustments

— Appointed Ruthie Campbell to the Planning Commission.

— Approved a resolution supporting the “Safe Routes to Schools” program. The program will construct sidewalks within the city to Robertsdale Elementary.

— Approved the purchase of a bucket truck ad the contract to bore under Rock Creek.

— Approved a fee schedule for copies. Currently, Greg Smith, the City Engineer, says the city does not have a fees schedule, and there has been interest by a number of parties to obtain city documents and plans. The proposal was tabled so Raines could review it, but if approved, a 24- by 36-inch black and while copy will cost $5 and the same size map will be $18.