City sells 96 million gallons of water
Randy Hellbusch with the Nebraska Rural Water Association presented the city’s annual water rate study at the council’s meeting July 23.
The city needs an annual revenue of $360,530 to meet water expenses. The projected revenue, with 88,750,000 gallons sold will be $387,975.
Hellbusch said this is a good amount to be bringing in, as they want to bring in a bit more than expenses.
Last year, 112,085,900 gallons were pumped with 96,064,000 gallons sold. This left 16,021,900 gallons, or 14% unaccounted for. Hellbusch said they like to keep this around 10%, and if it gets up to 20% they need to start looking into the reasoning.
In reviewing rates and fees, the council voted to investigate what other second-class city councils and mayors are being paid, as the potential for a raise was discussed. Currently, the council is paid $1,500 and the mayor is paid $2,500 annually.
Land annexed
After the third and final reading, the council unanimously approved the ordinance annexing real estate into the city requested by the Perkins County Hospital District.
tree comments
Greenwood said he’s heard from a lot of people about the trees on main street, saying they like the ones that have been taken down. He said some people would like to see more taken out and some would like to see trees put back in.
Budget planning
Discussion began for the 2019-20 budget. Larger items include the swimming pool, AWOS, and a proposed road change to the airport.
In addition to street improvements, a proposed preliminary water plan includes 17 blocks of water mains.
City Superintendent Edward Dunn said he is researching a lease option for a street sweeper, as it’s time for the current sweeper to go.
“The reason the streets don’t get clean now is because that machine constantly needs fixed. Every time they run it they have to spend hours fixing it. Then we’re a man down. It’s a no brainer.” he said.
Greenwood said there needs to be documentation showing it’s being properly maintained.