Rising Water System Expenses Prompt Increase in Water Fees
At Monday’s regular meeting, the Midvale city council discussed the water fund, it’s bank balance and ongoing maintenance costs, which will be increasing. The audit ending September 30 showed a positive inflow, with revenue exceeding expenses at that time. Since then, there have been ongoing maintenance issues that will need to be covered and more expected in the coming year. To keep up with the ongoing expenses, it was approved to raise the current water rate four percent for the 2025 year. As of now the base rate is $22.50 per month. Clerk Mariah Johnson mentioned that just in November she has had four new accounts in the system.
The town’s showy Christmas lights were mentioned with appreciation for all the efforts done by the community. It was especially noted that an existing tree in the park was used for the tree lighting. To replace lost or damaged light strings from prior years, the council approved an expenditure of $350 to reimburse a citizen for the purchase of new ones. Also noted was a $350 donation from the Church of Christ. The plan is to purchase storage tubs to keep the lights in when they are taken down in January. The tubs will be kept at city hall. Since they are LED lights and will be stored out of the weather, it is the goal to keep them for several years.
The auditor gave his report via phone. He said the books were accurate and the internal controls were clean with two people seeing all the bills. The general fund has more than a six month operating reserve. The council approved the audit.
Ken Carpenter asked for a signature from the city for a letter stating compliance with city laws for his family’s day care, as requested by Idaho Dept. of Health & Welfare. They request the letter every two years.
Also approved was a resolution written by the Daughters of the American Revolution regarding the recognition of those who provide care-giving to veterans.
Parker Arrien of Indian Valley asked the council for their input on his hope to build a hangar at the Midvale airport. He will be on the January agenda for final approval. It will be 54x60 building and be placed next to Katy Baker’s hangar. The airport leases are renewable for 30 years. When asked about the approaches to the hangers, he was told that each one was required to provide it’s own approach. There is a very large pile of asphalt taken from the runway that can be used to cover the approach.
The next regular meeting of the council will be January 13 at 7:00 p.m..
