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Water bills may go up to pay for new plantBy Danielle Strenke Harris residents may see an increase in their water bills when a new, mandatory water treatment plant is built. New city engineer Chuck Schwartz of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates outlined a preliminary funding strategy at the Harris City Council meeting Monday. The plan for constructing a water treatment plant for the cityís drinking water is newly mandated by the state to filter out impurities such as radium, which has been found at unacceptable levels in Harris drinking water. Schwartz told the council much of the project could be funded through grants from the Dept. of Trade and Economic Development and Corps of Engineers. Assuming a cost of about $1.1 million on the project, Schwartz said a small cities development grant could cover about $600,000 of the costs. He estimated collecting $472,000 from residents through city water bills. ìThatís when you use the Corps grant to close the gap,î he said. Councilor Wayne Buisman asked what the bottom line was. ìYouíre saying the residents are going to have to come up with some money, $40 a month,î he said.Schwartz said this was a rough cost estimate only, but said grants would not completely cover the costs of the plant. ìAnd this is just for the well,î Buisman said. ìThis is for water treatment only, but you have to be in compliance. We have no choice,î Mayor Councilor Lyle Holmstrom agreed that if the project was mandated by the state, it would only make sense to look for grant money. ìIf we can get 20, 30, 40 percent paid for weíre better off than we were before,î he said. The council authorized a preliminary engineering report on the project, as well as a preliminary rate study to analyze costs to residents for utilities, water charges and hook-ups. With the death of councilor Dave Christianson June 10, the city is now accepting applications for an interim councilor. After applications are received, the council will choose a new member to serve until November, when a special election will then be held to fill out the remaining two years of Christiansonís term. Due to the Independence Day Holiday, Harris City Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, July 4-5. ©ECM Post Review |