Utilities Board moves forward with building
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
The Rockford Utilities Board is gradually moving forward with establishing its own building following action taken during last Tuesday evening’s meeting.
After action taken previously, the board only received one sealed bid for the building. That bid was for $162,200 for the concrete pad, footers and piers.
After brief discussion the board unanimously approved accepting that bid and proceeding with the purchase to begin construction on the building site next to Dollar General.
Also during the meeting, Board attorney Nancy Kirby provided an update on the business license situation, which was discussed and reported on during last month’s meeting. She stated that she still had received no answer on the business license, with her having sent letters to town attorney Derrick Blythe on February 18 and March 2.
With there being no response or answer as of the board’s meeting last week, Kirby stated again that the town’s ordinance as written and as she understands it is that the board would not owe a business license. She mentioned that they would want to request a refund, as discussed previously.
After some discussion, the board tabled the matter until its joint meeting with the Town Council next month to discuss it further and try to get some resolution.
During the meeting the board also heard from Brian Blakely of Rockford and Jodi McDade of Equality with concerns about different water issues and increased bills they had both experienced.
Blakely explained that he had received a water bill of about $2,000 because of a separated pipe and the meter spinning, asking the board to consider absorbing some of the cost. During discussion, Board Chair Ronnie Brown said there was nothing the board could do and that they could not absorb it; however, after further discussion the board agreed to set up a payment plan for Blakely.
McDade mentioned having an issue with her water running and not being able to turn it off for a while, causing an increase in her bill from the leak. She said she was not asking for help on her water bill, but did suggest that the board might want to offer lessons on how to turn the meters off in such situations.
The board also heard from Randy Hammond of Richville who provided board members with information regarding a grant that might be applicable to the board.
Hammond also asked for an update regarding the Richville water project and when they might get water service out to more Richville residents. The board said is it currently still waiting on money to help fund the rest of that project.
During the meeting it was also briefly mentioned that the board is being sued because the sewer system is not up to date, with the board saying that it is working on a solution.
The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Rockford Utilities Board will be held at 7 p.m. May 17.