WELLMAN

Upgrading the city’s deteriorating water system is a priority for the City of Wellman, but cost estimates 40% higher than expected caused the City Council to blink Monday night.

At their regular meeting on Nov. 6, Mayor Ryan Miller told the council that the city has been approved by Wapello Rural Water for rural water hookup, which is the city’s best long-term option, but that “those costs went up significantly from when we looked at it the first time.”

The city had budgeted $5.1 million for the watermain and water source project, but the cost to connect to Wapello Rural Water came in at $3,620,000, and the cost to replace watermains is estimated at $3,453,000, which brings the project total to just over $7 million.

City Administrator Kelly Litwiller said that water rates for city residents have already been increased in anticipation of the project, but to afford the additional $2 million, rates would need to be raised an additional $30-50 a month, and a property tax increase would be required as well, costing Wellman homeowners hundreds of dollars more per year.

“Our residents cannot afford that,” Litwiller said.

The council discussed the issue, with Litwiller acknowledging that “we have to provide water, so to me, the backup water sources are our number one priority,” and also that “if we don’t at least do some watermains, they’re never going to get done.”

Ultimately, the council approved limiting the project to $5.1 million by making rural water hookup the priority and using funds remaining to replace as many watermains as possible, starting with those in greatest need, which are mainly south of Highway 22.

The city hopes to complete the water system project as outlined by 2025.

Skating Rink update

During the closed session at their previous meeting on Oct. 16, the city council considered how to proceed regarding management at the city-owned skating rink. Leasing the rink was an option on the table, as was hiring a new manager. Ultimately, the council concluded that they would do neither, as the city administrator, city clerk, and skating rink employees have been able to operate the rink adequately without hardship.

In recognition of the increased responsibilities the permanent skating rink employees are taking on, the council approved pay raises for them effective Oct. 6. The council also approved wage increases for temporary/part-time skating rink employees effective Nov. 6 to make those positions more appealing.

Other council action

In other council action, the council passed resolutions to approve the county TIF certification and the Urban Renewal Report. The council also approved a change order cost proposal for the library in the amount of $2,777 for sealing of the back floor.

It was noted that city offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in observation of Veterans Day.

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Wellman City Hall.