A water rate change was approved by the Chenoa City Council Tuesday night.
The newly-approved measure amends the rate ordinance for the use and service of the waterworks system of the city subject to a charge of $0.0206 per gallon over 1,000 gallons.
“We need to bite the bullet and get it going,” Mayor David Shane said prior to the vote.
While many in the city seem to agree something needs to be done with the water system, there are some differences of opinion on how to handle the situation. This was evident from some public comments at the meeting.
Commissioner Zack Lopeman abstained from the vote while everyone else on the council approved it.
“I just don’t know if we are too high or too low and I figure we pay Farnsworth for this, I just want to see a bit more math,” Lopeman told Chenoa News following the meeting.
Shane clarified after the meeting that $20.60 is the base rate but there is a separate line item for the infrastructure money which is $25 a month. The rate change is expected to start next month now that it was officially approved.
Other steps in the process include working with engineers and getting bids out – possibly by early spring.
“Hopefully by the middle of summer, probably after the Fourth of July, we can start digging,” explained Shane.
The mayor is almost certain of loan forgiveness which would go toward paying the third phase of the project. While he is hopeful for federal and state grants, Shane feels this is how the city must start out.
“There are grants for us to go after for infrastructure now.”
One woman at the meeting said residents were promised another meeting on this and never got one, referring to an informational event held over the summer on the football field.
“That’s for environmental input that Farnsworth will put on,” replied the mayor.
In a separate matter, city leaders discussed amending the employee manual. The mayor wants to see what is getting done and hold employees accountable.
“The handbook hasn’t been revised or changed for a while,” said City Attorney Steve Mann who suggested discussing this at another meeting.
Discussion continued on the city-owned house regarding asbestos abatement or selling the property. There is someone who would like to buy it but it has to be commercial property. Lopeman is waiting to hear back from a contractor for demolition and he has left messages for the EPA but never received a call back.
Resident Nancy Todd presented information on a draft park plan agreement between the city and Farnsworth. Todd will ask to be on the upcoming September 10 meeting agenda to consider the agreement and disperse funds.
During commissioner comments, Lopeman noted he finished going over policies and handbook information with Attorney Mann and alley work and street spray patching continues.
Commissioner Hernandez revealed a couple of houses in town are in the process of being cleaned up and there are more homes the city will be sending letters to.
“People are cleaning-up,” Hernandez said.
Current Water and Sewer Commissioner Bev Pickett was appointed the new Finance and Insurance Commissioner.
“She deals with insurance every day so I think it’s a good move on our part,” said Shane.
Council members approved regular meeting minutes from Aug. 13 along with executive session minutes from the same date. They also voted that the bills be allowed.
Comments