MARTINS FERRY — The city of Martins is raising its minimum water consumption from 2,500 gallons to 4,000 gallons, a move expected to benefit residents of the city.

“It was 4,000 gallons before and they dropped it by 1,500 gallons. It was an attempt to get East Ohio Regional Water Authority on the same page so people weren’t paying more to the waste authority,” Davies said of a previous administration. “But they lowered theirs and decided 4,000 gallons was an average usage.”

Davies noted raising the minimum consumption will not cost residents anymore money.

“It seemed like the average went up in the city,” he said.

The minimum cost for water is $26.54 per month.

Meanwhile, a recent free service to the city’s residents was deemed a success by Davies. A spring cleanup was recently held on First Street near the former city garage property. Residents were permitted to bring their unwanted household items to dumpsters placed there.

“It went well and it was well attended,” he said. “It was well-run. There was no wait-time hardly at all. Our guys did a great job of getting them in and out. It went about perfect.”

The city nearly did not get to have its cleanup as it was originally scheduled before the coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home orders were mandated by the state. After the order was lifted the cleanup was re-slated.

The event was anticipated by many as a spring cleanup had not been held in the city for a while. Having one was one of Davies’ campaign promises during his bid for the mayor’s seat.