New water meter system on standby for Fillmore

FILLMORE — Almost two years after it was brought up as a needed improvement to Fillmore’s water infrastructure, town leaders are anticipating a new water meter reading system.

Dave Kieser of Kieser Consulting outlined how it could be partially covered by the town’s allotment through the American Rescue Plan Act at the Fillmore Town Council’s regular meeting Thursday evening.

Kieser noted that drinking water is one area toward which ARPA money can be directed. Saying it was clear “how bad” the town’s outdated reading system is, he provided that it allocate its $110,000 total toward the automated upgrade. Half of this was distributed last year, while the other half is due this year.

As such, the council waived the reading of and passed Ordinance 2022-3 to set up a fund to hold the money.

Along with this, the town has a quote for a new water meter system from Ferguson Waterworks for a little over $176,000. Kieser advised that the council needed two more quotes to get an “apples-to-apples” comparison.

Acknowledging that the ARPA fund would likely not cover the entire cost, Kieser said borrowing a smaller money amount through USDA Rural Development was not conducive due to needing additional elements like bond counsel. Additionally, he said borrowing through the State Revolving Fund was as costly, along with having to wait until next year.

Kieser instead recommended securing a loan through the National Rural Water Association’s Rural Water Loan Fund. He said it would be a 10-year loan at two-percent interest, but that this rate is good until Sept. 30 when it is to rise.

“I would tell you that this is a possibility,” Kieser assured the council, which agreed on a wait-and-see approach with finding the two other quotes. With this, it approved for Kieser to fill out an application for the loan.

While the consensus seemed to be on the council holding a special session before the rate deadline, one was not specified at the meeting.

In other business:

• With no comments offered for a public hearing, the council waived the reading of and adopted Resolution 2022-5 approving new 10-year tax abatements for Liberty Trailers.

The company is planning a 25,000-foot structure to house a fabrication department and a drive-through bay. While that is a $900,000 investment in real property, the project also includes $900,000 for a facility to hold a laser cutter, plasma table, large and small press brakes and other equipment as personal property.

• The council approved a $13,000 lump sum to reconfigure and install a handrail on a sidewalk with a drop-off. Kieser noted that the town will have about $23,000 in grant funding left over after paying a contractor for new lighting, and as such this will be used for the sidewalk.

• The council held a hearing on the town’s proposed budget for 2023. The total budget is estimated at $183,096, with the estimated tax levy standing at $58,145, up from $55,370 currently.

The budget is set to be adopted at the council’s regular meeting next month. Amounts for specific funds will be reported then.

• The council conducted its first reading of Ordinance 2022-5, which outlines the town definitively vacating an alley at 107 Putnam St. The impetus is that 2nd, 3rd and 4th streets are still shown as originally platted, but have not been paved or otherwise maintained by the town as such making up the alley.

• After hearing input from Asst. Director Jane Hazelton, the council approved for one of the Putnam County Public Library’s new micro-branches to be installed near the town hall. Hazelton explained that anyone unable to go to the library could reserve materials, which would be put into a locker by its staff.

With it being noted that the library should be totally responsible, the approval was contingent on a mutual agreement being drawn up freeing the town from liabilities.

With Utilities Operator Joe Cash not in attendance, Town Attorney Jeff Boggess and Clerk-Treasurer Bill Miles joined councilmen Meredith Trusty, Jerry Huff and C.J. Huller for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Fillmore Town Council is set for Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Fillmore Town Hall.