Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Councilmen talk highway

Its likely that the widening of Highway 24 - also East Main - will go forward, though not because theres widespread favor for the project. Several Prescott City Council members said theyll support the project because it means the city will get new water and sewer lines at the states expense.

A meeting held April 26 drew more than 60 people interested in the project, including all eight city council members, Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor and Prescott Water Department Manager Perry Nelson.

One question thats arisen as the project came under fire from the community is whether the city council has approved the project. While Taylor said during the April council meeting that he expressed support for the project on behalf of the council, at least one council member said he is upset at the fact that it appears the council voted to approve the project.

When a member of the audience asked the council members if they had given their approval, Taylor said, Were in favor of the project.

When the man repeated his question and asked for an answer from the council members, Councilman Howard Austin spoke.

I know what everybodys concerned about, Austin said.

He pointed out that the project had apparently received an official nod in the 1980s - when the highway department first approved the project.

It puts the present city council in a position, Austin said. These people need to know this council didnt vote on this. I dont want nobody thinking I voted on this.

Councilman Jerry Wilson said he favors the project, but said his approval isnt necessarily because the street will be widened.

I favor it for the benefit of the City of Prescott, Wilson said.

Later, he said the benefit is that the city gets new water and sewer lines without paying for them.

The lines that are in place have reportedly been almost 100 years. The city has apparently provided documentation to the highway department proving that fact.

Because the water and sewer lines were in place before the road was designated a state highway, the highway department assumes responsibility for installing new lines - a project with a price tag of more than $1 million. Taylor said its likely the city will be facing that project on their own within the next five to ten years.

We cant afford to float a bond issue against the people of Prescott, Councilman James Roy Cornelius said following the meeting.

Councilman Robert Loe said he is almost certain he would vote for the project if the council were called on to vote.

Im against it because I sympathize with the people  who are against it, Loe said.

He called the issue a multi-headed monster. He cited the cost of replacing the water and sewer lines and said that, coupled with some comments hes had from residents of his district, would put him in favor of the project.

Councilman Larry Baker said he would also be in favor of the project, but only because it would mean the city utilities would be replaced at no cost.