Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Generator specs in place for Water/Sewer Department

Specifications are in for the generator for the Gurdon Water and Sewer Department.

Harold Hurst, department manager, presented the specifications to the water commissioners at the Monday, Dec. 17 meeting.

The efforts to purchase a generator for the department began during last year's ice storm. But now, by the next meeting in January the department will be ready to advertise and complete a purchase.

The state regulations for the department requires it to have a generator available to them. But because the fire department has one, which the water department could use in an emergency. The department has been following regulations.

Hurst and Commissioner Don Morehead, said circumstances demanding a generator would effect both departments, i.e. the ice storm, the need is real and immediate. The commissioners listen as Hurst confirmed the department has a place to house the generator.

Christmas bonuses are on the way for the department employees after the commissioners agreed on what they should be. The department will be following the tradition it has for the past 20 years, a percentage of each employees monthly salary.

An employee of the department will be completing the first 90 days of employment in January. Hurst conveyed he approved of his work so far.

During the meeting the commission briefly reviewed some details of their hiring policies and the personnel committee for future reference. Also, how seniority will affects Christmas bonuses and possible raises at a later date.

Concerning the raises, commissioners looked into the amount needed each year during winter months. At times the raises have been primarily to keep the department in line with the cost of living. During the next department meeting, unless a special meeting is called, the commissioners will be informed on the seniority and pay rates for each employee.

The commission review unpaid revenues for the department during the financial report. The delinquent revenues are in the range of $1,500.

Morehead questioned Hurst on seeking payments in small claim court and the policy of the city on delinquencies. Hurst said, "It would cost us $33 per client to seek the money through the court . . . most pay it when they have to be reconnected."

Morehead said, "Out of $600,000 in revenues; it's a drop in the bucket."

Discussion ensued over the meter usage fee.' All commissioners repeatedly are questioned on "What's that for?"

Hurst explained, "It's $.25 per bill which pays for the Clark County Department of Health (CCDH) permit and for testing by the CCDH.

"The department has many permits it must pay for," continued Hurst, "take for example the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, (ADEQ). We pay them $5,100 per year to release water from the treatment plant into Caney Creek. Water that's usually cleaner than the water already running in the creek. That's just for one permit."

Comments were made concerning some clients complaints on stale' water.

Hurst explained, "We have a 12-inch pipe circling Gurdon for the outer city limits clients. This pipe when not running full, wide open, has a fast moving stream of water running through the middle of the pipe approximately 4-inches around. The water is pulled off from the outside of the pipe where water may sit and become stale.' There's nothing wrong with this water other than it's oxygen depleted."

There was little discussion of the water main break on Dec. 4 near the car wash on Maple Street. Hurst said "valve breaks occur more often when the weather is changing from one extreme to another."