GAS — Fundamental differences in philosophy led Gas Council members to reject an opportunity to seek a grant to purchase exercise equipment at the town’s community/senior center.
Thrive Allen County had offered to help Gas apply for a $50,000 grant, but the majority of Gas Council members said no thanks. Only Deb Sager, a newcomer to the council, welcomed the help. Those opposed were Larry Robertson, Mark Henry, Kenny Baker and George Grisier.
Mayor Darrell Catron championed the grant and encouraged it to be put to a vote. As mayor, Catron can not make such a motion or vote on it unless in the situation of a tie.
Eventually Larry Robertson moved not to seek the grant, with the four-to-one vote putting the issue to rest.
The greatest hurdle seemed to be a feeling among council members that if a grant were secured, after a while it would lead to Gas having to pick up costs, particularly for supervision of those using the equipment.
“A grant always costs us,” Robertson said.
“We’re not a rehab center,” said Councilman Mark Henry. “If we need a nurse” — to monitor users — “or have to take blood pressure, they need to go to the hospital. We have enough on our plate and I think there are better ways we can use the (local) money.”
“Cost doesn’t concern me,” was Catron’s rebuttal, but it was like a voice in the wilderness. His rationale was that a grant would add exercise opportunities that would be “good for citizens and their health.”
ALSO ON THE council members’ plate is what to do about a water rate increase coming from Iola.
A contract Gas signed in 2001 has a provision that limited increases to six during the life of the contract, which previously had been reached.
Whether Gas will fight the increase apparently was the topic of an executive session for client-attorney privilege. No action followed.
Meanwhile, Gas could conceivably switch to Public Wholesale Water District No. 5, at a rate slightly less than Iola’s new one. For the record, Gas has been paying $3.31 per 1,000 gallons; the new Iola rate is $3.409 per 1,000 gallons. PWWD No. 5’s rate is $3.35. However, the rural district does not soften water; Iola does.
There are complications if Gas decided to switch providers. A pipeline about 2 miles long would have to be built on Gas’ nickel — actually about $500,000, City Superintendent Steve Robb estimated — “we couldn’t afford to soften water,” he said.
IN TERSE commentary, City Clerk Rhonda Hill suggested Gas drop participation in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, which provides property tax rebates when a homeowner or business increases valuation by $5,000 or more when building anew or remodeling.
