Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council learns of electric bill issue

Residents of the City of Prescott may have seen a higher than normal electric bill this month. That situation was among the discussions held on July 17 when the Prescott City Council would ordinarily have met.

Because there was not a quorum, members of the council were not allowed to take care of any business. Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor was out of town and only four of the eight council seats were filled for the meeting. They did, however, discuss several points and hear reports from the police and chamber.

Former council member Billy House was on hand to offer his opinion of what had caused the problem with the water bills. House said it appeared that a computer problem had increased the portion of the bill that reflects the fuel adjustment cost. House said city employees have been working on the problem and have been talking to those in charge of the program.

Later in the week, House said several people had called city hall regarding the bills. The Picayune had also fielded calls from disgruntled residents who wanted answers about the problem. Taylor was not available for comment Friday morning.

The council heard from Prescott Water Department Manager Perry Nelson that the aerators were slated for installation on the citys water ponds during the week of July 17. The pumps are being installed in an effort to control algae in the citys water supply.

Mary Godwin presented a report on the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce activities as well as giving an update for the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office.

Regarding the Johnson-Hale Walking Trail, Godwin said the trail is ready for use. She said trees will be planted this summer and signs will be posted soon.

Well plant trees when its not so dry, Godwin said.

She said sod or grass will also be planted at the entrance to the trail when the weather is better.

Godwin said a company has been interested in a site in the industrial park. She said the company has done some soil sampling.

They went ahead and surveyed to see what might work for them, Godwin said.

She said there are some additional prospects that seem promising, though its too early to make any announcements.

Godwin also announced that the log planned for the water tower is too large, and that the decision had been made to have Prescott on the tower along with a graphic of a pine cone.

From the police department, Prescott Police Chief Brian Russell gave a report on the departments recent activity. Russell said one of the ongoing projects is gathering funds for a K-9 police dog. Russell said there is some money in place toward that goal, and that he has some ideas for ways to add to that fund.