Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rosston Council Awaits Truck

Rosston's new fire truck still hasn't found its way to southern Nevada County, and when it arrives, there could be a problem.

The Rosston City Council, at its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Nov. 4, discussed the length of the truck in conjunction with the size of the current fire station.

Because of delicate equipment, the fire truck must be kept indoors during cold weather, Rosston Mayor Lewis Jackson said. This is to prevent the pumps from freezing up and breaking.

However, he said, fire chief Johnny Johnson measured the new truck and claims it will be too big for the current facility.

There has been debate on whether to try to get grants to build a new fire station and city hall, or to attempt to renovate the existing fire station so it can accommodate the new truck.

The council agreed to wait until the truck arrives in Rosston before making a decision, to see exactly what will be needed to keep it protected in a warm environment.

The panel also passed an ordinance concerning the five mill tax on real and personal property. This, Jackson pointed out, isn't a new tax, but it still must be approved annually by the city.

The money goes into the city's general fund and is used to provide city services.

Rosston residents may notice their water bills are a bit higher than usual soon as well. This is because the council voted to increase the water rates 2 percent a year for a while, until the city is more in line with the state on water rates.

Jackson said the city is getting by with the current rates, but state agencies aren't satisfied with "getting by" and require adequate funds to handle a possible emergency.

By going up 2 percent a year, Jackson said, it won't hurt the customers as much as one large jump in rates would.

The increase will begin in January, with the city's computer system set up to handle the increase.

Jackson said the 2 percent may not sound like much, but it will add up and help with the cost of supplies the city has to have for the water system.

From there, the council approved a budget for the water department for the year 2000. The proposed budget was $80,200, based, Jackson said, on what was collected this year.

However, he pointed out, Rosston had several problems with the wells and pumps in 1999.

These expenses, he said, aren't anticipated for next year.

Council members are also working on a food drive to help those in need during the upcoming holiday season. They are seeking donations of canned goods to be passed out in food baskets.