The Laddonia Board of Aldermen voted to begin the application process for an arrangement to buy wholesale water from Clarence Cannon Wholesale Water Commission but stopped short of committing fully …
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The Laddonia Board of Aldermen voted to begin the application process for an arrangement to buy wholesale water from Clarence Cannon Wholesale Water Commission but stopped short of committing fully to the plan.
At the board's July meeting the Alderman unanimously approved a measure that would commit funds not to exceed $20,000 toward the application fee and related feasibility surveys. The process also looks into funding to help cover the cost of wholesale water.
"We're still in the exploratory process," said mayor pro tem Tresa Hodges.
According to Hodges, an agreement with Clarence Cannon to provide water to the city appears to be a good fit -- "at the moment."
Engineering surveys will help the board determine the benefits of wholesale water versus upgrades to the city's aging water treatment plant. Laddonia mayor Gary Garnett reports that the cost of repair and replacement work on the plant may run $4 million. Tapping into the Clarence Cannon system is in the neighborhood of $1.3 million.
Hodges noted that the water plant is still in operation. But at 35 years and counting, with much of its equipment original, the maintenance load of the facility is expected to increase. And the plant has fallen below Missouri Department of Natural Resources standards.
In May Garnett indicated that a decision would need to be made quickly. However, he also pointed out that there is no expiration date on the facility. With proper maintenance and upgrades it could continue to pump for many years.
"There are people on both sides," Hodges observed.
Alderwoman Amber Snyder suggests that the Clarence Cannon option, if feasible, would give the city some flexibility. The city's water rate is a costly $11 per thousand gallons. Clarence Cannon charges just over $2 per thousand gallons.
After purchasing wholesale the city could establish a rate that would allow them to use the difference toward loan payments.
A second initiative has been on hold since spring. In March former Alderman Kevin Charlton began an effort to improve street lighting in residential areas of Laddonia. He identified at least nine locations in need of improved illumination.
But that measure has been off the agenda since.
"We are still waiting to hear a quote from Ameren," explained city clerk Mary Kaluhiokalani.
