The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

La Harpe City Council Water Contract, Sets Water Rates

by Mike Rodeffer, The Quill

March 11th La Harpe City Council Meeting

The La Harpe City Council awarded Contract 2 for Reverse Osmosis Equipment to U.S. Water Services, INC. (Tonka Water) in the amount of $404,586.00.

The city council also unanimously approved Ordinance 2019-1. This Ordinance sets water rates in the future.

The base rate for the first 1000 gallons of water is now $25. However, on May 1st, 2019, the base rate will raise to $30 and on May 1st, 2020, the base rate will raise to $34. On May 1st, 2021, the base rate will raise to $38. The smaller raises per year will give the residents more time to adjust to the higher rates.

Rural development had previously said La Harpe would need a base rate of $38 for the water department to be able to pay off the expense of the water project. The City of La Harpe will be borrowing $4,008,000. USDA has approval up to $2.5 million grant toward the water project.

The council also unanimously approved a culvert to be put in on a lot that Jim Lenix owned. Lenix is to pay for the culvert and rock and the city workers will install it.

Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed informed the council that the two dilapidated buildings on Main Street would qualify for grant money toward the tear down and clean up of the properties. The mayor said there is $600,000 in grant money available over a three county area. The mayor had nominated the properties last fall.

The council also discussed the rough railroad crossings at the south end of town. Attorney Scholz offered to write a letter to the railroad company.

In other actions, the council approved:

• February minutes
• Treasurer's report and paying of all bills
• Mayor to sign Fortress Bank loan on behalf of the city
• Updating the water application to include information for statistical purposes
• $500 donation for La Harpe Classic Car Show

Those attending the meeting were:

Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, council members-Dave Clover, Jerry Burford, Kelly Harkey, Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, Brian Covert, Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Treasurer Maggie Link, Attorney Chris Scholz, Employees-Trevor Finch, Dan Carpenter, David Little, Tim Graves, Larry Finch, IMEG Rep Eric Moe, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.

The Council adjourned at 8:38 p.m. The next meeting is March 26th.