Monday, June 13th, 2011: I attended the Mountain Home City Council meeting last night and wanted to pass on some information. First, I think I was about the only non-city employee in attendance at this meeting. The exception to this was the local newspaper guy and an “Insurance” guy who were on hand also. While a lot of city business was completed, there wasn’t much discussion to hold my attention.
Water is Big Business
The biggest portion, or the most interesting portion of the meeting was a discussion about our water wells. Wayne Shepherd, our Public Works Director gave a pretty in-depth explanation of the problems they are having with one of our drinking water wells.
The gist of the problem is “the city” and a consultant think there is a vibration problem with a well water pump sitting about 680 feet below the surface. The contractor that dug and installed the well doesn’t think there is a problem. Long story short…Mountain Home will not use this “vibrating” well until they are completely sure there is no problem. In my opinion, the city is making a wise decision on this issue. Better to be safe than to lose and likely never recover the pump 700 feet below the ground.
For anyone out there that doesn’t understand this stuff, water is big business. Water probable makes up one of the biggest portion of the City of Mountain Home’s budget. But it’s not like we can just cut the budget for “water”. It’s one of life necessities and we wouldn’t be here without it. The City’s “Water Division” has been extremely forthcoming and informative at ever council meeting I’ve attended. We are lucky to have these professionals working for us.
Other Items From the Meeting
1. Insurance: A gentleman addressed the council to talk about health insurance benefits for city employees. The council asked some questions and it appeared to me benefits likely wouldn’t change much.
2. The City Budget: The next Mountain Home City Budget is still in the planning stages. Currently there is a $60,661 shortfall between the proposed budget and the money they have to work with. The City Council now gets the task of cutting 1 or more of about 50 projects to balance our budget. That’s why the City Council makes the big bucks.
Note 
The City Council, in secret, made a decision to serve Steak and Lobster Dinners to all people in attendance for the next year. Their thoughts were more citizens would attend city council meetings if they served up a hot, hearty meal on the taxpayers dime. I whole-heartily agree with their assessment and really enjoyed this steak and lobster dinner last night.
Mayor Rist…next meeting make sure there is more garlic butter for those huge Maine lobsters.
Comments
Got something to say? Let us know what’s on your mind and see you at the next city council meeting. Bring a bib though.
