Residents press for water‑system fixes and smart meters as potential CDBG priorities

Several residents raised concerns about water quality and aging distribution infrastructure at Huachuca City’s CDBG public hearing. Frances Mock said her dog "doesn’t even drink the water" and called for pipe repairs. Town Manager Suzanne Harvey responded that the system undergoes required monthly testing and the consumer confidence report is posted online: "our water is absolutely good," she said.

SEAGO planner William Osborne told the council that while water quality testing can show compliance, many rural systems also require main replacements, meter upgrades and engineering assessments — activities that can be eligible for CDBG or supported through SSP design grants and other state programs such as WIFA. Osborne recommended evaluating where mains are failing and considering smart meters to help monitor usage and billing fairness before pursuing a full implementation application.

Councilmembers asked staff to include water‑system assessment and potential meter replacement on the list of candidate projects to be published for public review; staff also agreed to explore funding avenues and engineering timelines so the Town could be shovel‑ready for implementation.