Wastewater woes

Dear editor:

So now, according to Saturday’s front page (Feb. 25), we’ve had another overflow, spilling millions of gallons of wastewater into Gulpha Creek, at least the second time this year. And once again, city officials can offer nothing but excuses.

According to the article, 1.38 million gallons of wastewater escaped during one incident alone in mid-december. Gulpha Creek eventually flows into Lake Catherine, so residents there look forward to swimming and boating in wastewater.

The article went on to cite the upcoming price increases all residents can look forward to on their upcoming water bills, which the article says will then continue to go up 3% annually.

Our city government is currently as incompetent as its ever been, and that’s saying something. Entire departments are unable to do their jobs competently, and why would they? City Manager Bill Burrough, mayor Pat Mccabe, and our board of directors have shown no inclination to hold anyone accountable, including themselves.

We might not see the effects of the escaped wastewater for some time, but if anyone looks to examples of incompetence, they need only drive on our broken and buckled streets, or take a trip down to the eyesore that once was the Majestic Hotel, which city leaders have done exactly zero to remedy.

My prediction on this wastewater issue? The board will commission an independent study from an outside consulting group that will cost taxpayers a minimum of $50K and will accomplish absolutely nothing. R.B. Keener Hot Springs