By Mari Radtke
The Primghar City Council approved its proposed 2022 fiscal year budget on Wednesday Marcy 10 with no public comment. Council also approved issuing a $220,000 bond. The bond issue will allow the city to invest in necessary sewer improvements. The bond issue is a revenue bond meaning that the debt will be repaid from sewer charges to users.
Mike Warnke spoke to the council of employee concerns from the utility perspective. He explained that well #8 is down. The pump has been removed and samples have been taken and sent to the state hygienic lab. He said they donÕt know why the pump isnÕt working but also noted that it had last been replaced in 2012. Discussion about water also revealed that there is again a sand buildup in the reservoir. Warnke said it will be pumped out.
The city has had an agenda item for months about the construction of a new waste lagoon. As new businesses are populating the industrial park and interest grows the need to expand waste treatment grows. According to City Clerk Carol Chicoine the lagoon is currently at capacity. The city has implemented residential construction incentives hoping for growth and the industrial park expansion has been successful. But for sewer waste management, there is no room left for growth. Construction of a new waste lagoon is in its planning stages and is expected to cost $3-$4 million or more. Visits to nearby communities are being scheduled.
Chicoine says the entire water system of the city is in need of upgrade. She is working with council to address the whole water system, from the tower up. Water and water quality have long been a concern for residents and for the elected officials. Water collection and delivery have not yet made it to the planning stage, but it is considered a practical and necessary step to allow for additional housing or amenities.
Chicoine notes that the process of getting the cities finances in place is underway. She says that instead of imposing sudden and shocking price increases to upgrade the infrastructure, small increases will begin.
Missouri River Energy Services provides electric current to the city of Primghar. They have been doing a rate study and will present their findings at the Primghar City Council meeting April 14. They will also present their opinion about which course for Primghar to take to replace a generator. One older generator the city uses needs repair, but is so old parts are not available. Factors to consider are how much generation is needed versus what is currently available. Anticipated future needs is also considered when determining how to replace a generator. Chicoine said that the base electric rate will change from the current $12.48 per customer to $13.50 per customer. The base rate covers the cost of personnel to operate and maintain the cityÕs electric service. She also said that the rate study concluded that the cost of electricity will not change.
A survey to uncover the mood of the Primghar residents to take on the costs of building and operating a swimming went out to residents last month. It was reported that about 100 -120 surveys have been returned so far. According to Thor Klinker the results reflect support for the project. He described the comments as more supportive of a swimming pool than for a splash pad. Council member Jack Black voiced some positives of a splash pad versus a swimming pool and noted his observation of one communityÕs use of a splash pad in eastern Iowa. Councilman Kevin Smith expressed support for a swimming pool while also expressing financial limitations of the city. He explained the cityÕs need to focus on its utility infrastructure before considering tax levies for an amenity.
Pool surveys are still coming in and being included in the results for the Primghar residents. Klinker noted that the current projected cost of a swimming pool in 3 years is $1.6 million. He asked the council if the committee could raise $400,000 for the pool in 3 years and receive a $256,000 grant, would the council commit to bring a $944,000 bond issue to a vote of the residents. The pool that has been price is about 3500 square feet with a diving board Ð a very basic pool. He also said that operations cost are estimated at $20 Ð 25,000 per year. One favorable location is at the north end of Welch Street, pending soil testing. He said the soil composition has been a challenge.
While the infrastructure debt will be repaid with revenue from the service, those funds will come from the same pot of money as property taxes for a water feature. Smith did make sure to note that council has an obligation to look more closely at a water feature project support residents devoting time and energy to the project.