Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Board Members Needed For Water Commission

The Gurdon Water and Sewer Commission (GWSC) may soon need volunteers.

One seat on the commission has been open for some time. If Commissioner Danny Paull becomes a city councilman, a second seat will be open. Paull has said he will resign his position as commissioner if appointed to the council

The commission is required to have three commissioners present to hold a meeting.

But few are willing to put in the time and effort to be approved by the Gurdon City Council, fill out the forms, and appear for the meetings. Though open to anyone 21 or older and a city resident could, once approved be a commissioner.

Harold Hurst, water department manager said, "We need someone who will show up for the meetings."

GWSC will not be dealing with the Harris's, owners of the Pizza Barn, Gurdon directly again. The Harris's insurance company, Alliance Insurance, Arkadelphia paid $8,810 on the policy for damage to its parking lot.

Alliance Insurance wrote to GWSC concerning its intentions in seeking reimbursement.

The GWSC had previously made an offer for the damages they were willing to be responsible for due to a broken water hydrant. However, because their efforts to avoid involving the lawyers have failed, the commission will allow its attorney, Taylor King, deal with the insurance company.

As part of the City of Gurdon, the water department has tort immunity, meaning it can't be sued. However, the individual members of the commission can be sued.

December's water billing will be the first bill to reflect the sewage rate increase.

"For the average consumer using around 1,000 gallons, it will be only $.80," Hurst said. Still the commissioners and Hurst are prepared to hear complaints about the increase.

The McGee Street lift station is completed. The final work on the fencing around the station concerned a 14-foot fence gate to provide machine access.

Raises for the personnel in the water department was brought forward for the commissioners to be considered at the next few meetings.

The employee's have only received cost of living raises for the past few years and their pay isn't keeping up with inflation well, according to Hurst.

Commissioner Don Morehead commented on the tight job market. At this time, other companies offer more per hour starting rate of pay than the water department's highest paid employee.

Commissioner Bill Dulan is recovering from bypass surgery. Hurst and the commissioners wished him well.