 | | Wednesday, JUL 23, 2008 | | |
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From Down Under
 | | Australian rancher Garry Shandley looks at a herd on the Birdwell Clark Ranch east of Henrietta last week on a U.S. tour of ranching operations. |
Commissioners pencil in money for VFDs
An extra $500 to help volunteer fire departments with spiraling fuel costs met with preliminary approval from Clay County commissioners Monday.
The 2009 county budget is nearing completion, and commissioners agreed they would add $500 to the $2,000 annual stipend the 12 fire departments receive.
“The $30,000 total, that’s less than half a cent in (property) taxes,” said Prec. 4 Commissioner Brice Jackson. “That’s pretty cheap protection.”
As with all budget matters, nothing is official until commissioners approve the entire document.
Auditor Ramona Seward said her estimate to increase health insurance costs by nine percent was off by a few tenths, so she recalculated the costs, increasing it by $34 per employee. She said that even with the full request from the district attorney’s office for an assistant DA and a part-time office helper, and with a $1,500 employee pay increase, the budget will still work.
Clay County is awaiting word from the other counties in the 97th District on the DA’s request.
Seward said she calculated five cents in taxes to repay tax notes for renovation of the courthouse annex.
[story continued]Historical Society seeks city funds for museum repairs
Members of the Clay County Historical Society met with the Henrietta City Council Monday night to request assistance with the restoration of the 1890 Jail Museum.
Leda Roe, Lucille Glasgow and Liz Kesler joined CCHS President Macon Boddy, who asked for $50,000 in assistance over a three year period. Boddy told the council modifications to the foundation and masonry work, including a steel skeleton to support the jail walls, will insure the structural integrity of the building for another 50 years.
“(The project) will generate significant economic development here,” said Boddy. “Due to using local contractors, it’s something that can really help the community. And, we’re to the point of fix it or give up.”
[story continued]Petrolia getting new electric provider
The city of Petrolia is in the market for a new electric provider.
City aldermen decided against continuing with First Choice Power during the July 1 council meeting, and to begin searching for a company that can offer cheaper rates. The city will use Stream Electric Company for its office, street lights and water plant until a new provider is found.
Water plant employees have began testing trihalomethane levels in city water on a weekly basis instead of quarterly after the level became elevated recently. Since that time, the city has installed a new chlorine injector and adjusted chlorine levels in the water treatment process. Trihalomethane levels are now down.
The council approved the purchase of six maintainer tires to be bought at cost. The six tires will cost the city $125 each.
Petrolia has qualified for a $175,000 grant, and is working with the Nortex Regional Planning Commission on additional grants to go toward the replacement of water and sewer lines throughout the city.
One citizen addressed the council, requesting lower water deposits for renters. Councilors rejected the request, leaving the deposit rate at $200. Water deposits for homeowners are $75.
The Petrolia City Council was realigned during the July 1 meeting, placing Beaver Elledge as mayor pro tem. Elledge will relieve Everett England for a five month period due to a family illness.
10.JUL.08 Patriotic Salute
10.JUL.08 Von Dielingen to serve as interim commissioner
10.JUL.08 Work day planned for city park
10.JUL.08 Grass fire danger continues
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