City’s water users to see higher rates this month

    Imperial water customers will see some rate increases on their next utility bills.
    Approval of the new rates came at the May 2 city council meeting when the new charges gained 4-0 approval.
    For most homeowners, the basic monthly charge will increase between $1.50 and $1.75, or about 11%.
    Commercial customers, depending on their business meter size, will see monthly increases between $2 and $4, also about 11%.
    All rates are based on the meter size serving the home or business.
    Public Works Supt. Pat Davison told council members a Nebraska Rural Water Association study showed a $40,000 average annual loss in the city’s water department over the last three years.    
    The new rate schedule reflects the cost of doing business deficit, as well as any new water projects in city planning, Davison said.
    Future capital water projects could include the East 12th Street water extension project that was delayed this spring due to a higher than estimated bid.
    “And, in a few years here, we’re probably going to have a new well, so we want to try to build some of that cash back,” he said.
    In addition to the basic monthly customer charge increase, water use per 1,000 gallons is also going up slightly from $1.40 to $1.45.
    Sewer rates and that department’s financials were also reviewed in the study, but no rate changes were recommended in the current $20 residential and $28 commercial rates.
    Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland said meters are usually read about the 20th of the month and bills go out a few days later.  The new rates will be in the utility bills due June 1 and delinquent June 15.
No more vehicles at light dam
    Public pedestrian traffic only will now be allowed at the city-owned light dam, southwest of Imperial, after a resolution was adopted 4-0.
    The section of ground is leased for grazing, but since it is city-owned, access is allowed to the public.
    However, that access will no longer be with vehicles, according to the resolution passed last week.
    The resolution reads, in part, “The city has determined that the light dam property has been subject to extensive vehicle traffic from the public and has also been subjected to extensive graffiti and damage to portions of the fixtures....”
    The resolution further spells out the motorized vehicles  prohibited from entering the light dam property—automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs and golf cars.
    City personnel vehicles and those of the lease-holder, who currently is Scott Clements, are allowed to enter the light dam.
    The resolution adds the public is still allowed on the property for recreation, provided it is peaceful and doesn’t interfere with the grazing livestock.
    In other action May 2, the council approved an updated and streamlined city fee schedule, rescinded a nuisance resolution at 130 East 9th Street and Mayor Dwight Coleman signed an Arbor Day Proclamation.
    Council member Craig Loeffler asked if there was something to be done with blowing recyclables, mostly cardboard, that escapes from the recycling center in high winds. Supt. Davison said he would look at some options.
    The council, mayor, Leyland and City Attorney Josh Wendell met in closed session about 20 minutes regarding the Leibhart litigation against the city. No action resulted.