►  Public hearing Monday on increasing Polk transportation rates

The Polk County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. to hear comments regarding increasing rates for the Polk County Transportation Department. The rate increases began in 2016 and will continue for the next five years. The current rates in county are $1 per trip with the rates proposed to increase to $2 per trip. Trips to Landrum are proposed to increase from $3 to $5. If approved by commissioners, the new rates will go into effect on March 6.

►  Tryon appoints new planning board member

Tryon Town Council appointed Jonathan Gerst to its board of planning and adjustment this week. Council met Tuesday, Jan. 17 and appointed Gerst unanimously to the board.

► Tryon approves new schedule of fees with $400 meter testing

The Town of Tryon has added a $400 charge to customers who request to have their water meter tested and the meter comes back having tested accurately. Tryon Town Council met Tuesday, Jan. 17 and approved the amended schedule of fees. Council last month approved a new meter testing policy that includes if a meter comes back as testing accurately, the customer will be charged for the new meter and any maintenance fees to cover the cost of time and labor for replacing the meter. If the meter comes back as inaccurate, there will be no charge to the customer.