Chula reviews water operations: backup operator, tower options and rate figures

The Chula Board of Aldermen spent a portion of the Sept. 8 meeting on water-system operations, personnel and budget details. Fred Oertwig will contact Roger Pergande to meet with the new operator, Adam, on Sept. 10 so Roger can show him the pump, lagoon and other facilities; the board noted Roger will return as a backup operator and be paid as needed. The council said it still needs ordinances in place before it can pay Ann Hamilton.

Board members also discussed infrastructure options: checking pipe size with Missouri Rural Water (Darla) and pursuing a direct feed that could eliminate the need for the tower and reduce recurring painting costs. The board reported DNR compliance was met except for several missing EDMR reports the city must submit. On rates and budget the transcript lists prior and current cost and retail figures: the old water cost was $11.50 sold at $16 per 1,000 gallons (difference $4.50); the current cost was listed as $14.70 sold at $19 per 1,000 gallons (difference $4.30). Last year’s water budget was $19,800; this year’s is $18,920 with $12,000 budgeted to pay the wastewater operator.