Junction City Council targets late water bills

JUNCTION CITY — Junction City council signed Resolution 17-4-1 that states that the city will only allow water bills to be behind two months before the water will be turned off at their April meeting.

“We have got to do something about these water bills,” Junction City Mayor, Allen Simmons said. “We have given them 10 months to catch it up.”

The decision for this resolution was due to the city having $31,348.54 in past due balances and had offered delinquent customers a 10-month payment plan to catch back up on their bill, where only one resident complied.

“We are going to have to cut off the meters. I hate to be that way, but we got to,” Simmons said. Anyone who currently has an outstanding balance of more than two months when the resolution takes effect, their water will be turned off immediately.

Chief of Police Russell Lamb reported to the council that the Police Department’s radios and tower were now up and running.

“We also have a channel to speak with the school, so if something ever happened, we could talk to them,” Lamb said.

The radar was also certified in the older cruiser.

He also said he was currently speaking with Generations Bank bout donating two handheld radar units for the department.

It was also brought to the council’s attention by alderman Steve

Williams that there are nail heads sticking out of the equipment at the city park as well as a hole in the gazebo floor that could prove to be a safety liability for the city’s residents.

“Those nails have been like that for months now. It’s spring time and all these kids will be up at the park playing soon,” Williams warned.

Williams also suggested roping off the gazebo until the city could have it repaired.

The city also agreed to the purchase of three solar power school speed signs to replace those that they currently have.

The signs that are already in place are old and are becoming harder to maintain.

“If it saves one kid’s life, it would be worth it,” said Alderman Paul Enis.

Junction City Superintendent Robbie Lowe said that the school would also help pay for one of the signs if the city would also add a sign by the elementary school.

For all three signs, it will cost the city $9,525 but the school will be giving the city $2,770 for the third sign.

The Director of Public Works Jake Caldwell also told Mayor Allen Simmons that the gold cart that he uses to read meters has died and he will be in need a new one. He had called for prices and they range from $2,100 to $3,000.

The council decided to allow Caldwell to chose which he feels would best fit the city’s needs since he was the one who will be using it.

The city also decided to provide Lamb with medical insurance and to put both Caldwell and Lamb on the same plan.