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Council looks at sewer, sanitation rates

Tuesday night, the Thermopolis Town Council looked at the water, sewer and sanitation rates. According to the financial statement of February 2017, water revenues were $932,172.44 and expenditures were $718,080.95, for an end result of $214,091.49.

Taking into account a $29,455.06 payment to the drinking water SRF loan — which is the town’s match for the water line going up Broadway when the state put the new highway in — results in a total of $184,636.43.

As for sewer, there was $459,677.80 in revenues and $401,156.89 in expenditures for a profit of $58,520.91. A $115,908.31 payment for the clean water SRF loan — for the sewer lagoons — results in a loss of $57,387.40,

For sanitation, revenues are $424,067.62. Expenditures are $212,191.88 and landfill expenditures are 227,527.61, for a loss of $15,651.87. With $33,174.86 in receivables, that brings it to a positive $17,522.99.

It was noted during the meeting that the rates would have to go up at some point, though Mayor Mike Mortimore said he would like to wait a full year to see the profit or loss. Options available include raising rates now or waiting until the year is over on June 30 and evaluate.

Should the council raise sewer and sanitation rates, it could be done by resolution in one meeting, though it would be a five percent maximum or about one dollar. Council could also raise rates by ordinance, which would require three meetings but allow the rates to go up by any amount.

In other action, council approved suspending codes related to parking campers in town and on streets for Aug. 16-24.

Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby said several calls have come in with people wanting to know if they can rent out their driveways or parking spaces in front of their homes, for people coming to view the Aug. 21 solar eclipse to park their campers. As part of the motion suspending the codes, landowners are responsible for any cleanup.

Council also asks people have consideration for their neighbors, and not allow people to park campers in such a way that blocks parking areas.

Also during the meeting, Town Engineer Anthony Barnett reported with the recent moisture the settlement on upper Fremont is getting worse, and they are monitoring issues closely with plans to address them as it dries out.

Barnett further reported he and Crosby would travel to Cheyenne Wednesday to meet with the Wyoming Water Development Commission regarding the status of the water line replacement project. On Thursday, they will hopefully find out the status of the State Revolving Loan for the project.

Crosby noted the loan applied for was $1.3 million with 50 percent forgiveness, or $650,000. Tentatively, he said, it could be only $318,223, though that number is not written in stone and could change if funding is cut on other projects or those projects are cancelled.

Mayor Mortimore expressed his confidence in Barnett and Crosby and their ability to secure the full 50 percent forgiveness.

Police Chief Steve Shay provided councilmembers with pictures of the recently updated dispatch center, and invited them to check it out in person. He described it as a “nice, clean safe place for our employees to work.” Shay relayed the appreciation of the employees to the council.

Crosby also noted Angie Guyon’s being appointed to the Wyoming Tourism Board, which means she has to vacate her position on the Travel & Tourism Board. As her term ends at the end of May, Crosby recommended she remain in the position until that time, as opposed to appointing someone for one month.

There was some discussion regarding replacement of decorative light poles. The topic was addressed during the March 21 meeting, as over time the poles become damaged or burnt out and the cost of replacing them can cost over $3,000, plus additional costs for electrical work.

Councilmember John Dorman Sr. reported he was able to find the lights for less cost, but also shared an idea presented to him in which the town, as a municipality, could get the lights directly for even less.

The idea has also been presented to have more regular streetlights installed — via the power company — south along Highway 20. Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle noted the furthest the lights could be installed, within town limits, would be to the Children’s Resource Center.

 

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