Saulsbury’s mayor and Board of Aldermen had a busy June meeting, considering an assortment of issues from mosquitoes to blight. Shown (l-r) Mayor Jim Daniel, and Aldermen Johnny Smith, Lillie Reece, Jan Ward, and Bobby Bynum. Not present were Aldermen Rich Emerson and Carl Hayes.

Grand Junction mayor addresses Saulsbury Board

Curtis Lane, Mayor of Grand Junction, attended the Saulsbury Mayor/Board meeting to explain the recent increase in water rates to city residents. The Grand Junction water department supplies water to Saulsbury customers. Lane explained that state law requires the water/sewer departments of all municipalities to stand on their own.
 “Our system is old. It needs to be upgraded. We have two main wells that require high cost maintenance. We are experiencing some water loss. The state certainly frowns on that,” said Lane.
The state has the authority to step in and set a municipality’s water rates unless satisfactory self-action is taken. The need to upgrade the system, stop, or at least reduce loss, and perform required repair and maintenance are all factors the state considers when reviewing a city’s rates.
“This increase beginning July 1, will amount to an average $3.00 per month for Saulsbury customers. There is no sewer charge. Hopefully the overall percent increase will meet state expectations,” said Lane.
Departmental Reports
Discussing departmental reports, Saulsbury Mayor Jim Daniel informed the board the state is now requiring an annual financial report from all volunteer fire departments.
The board approved the second reading of an amendment moving $500 from the reserve fund balance to the “street lights” line of the budget.

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