Tamaroa Completes Water Project
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Tamaroa Village Board approved the final paperwork on the water expansion project.
The paperwork included an amendment to the engineering agreement with Southern Engineering increasing payment for inspection services by $5,000 and administration services by $4,500.
The additional fees cover work that was not part of the original contract, but that was approved during the project.
A change order for $2,615, was also approved. The board had approved the work, but had not received a final cost figure on the change order until now.
The third and final piece of paperwork was the final payment to the contractor for $93,919. The board approved the payment, but will initially cut a check for only $90,000. The remainder will be paid as soon as the board is satisfied that all work has been done.
Doug Pollex of Southern Engineering said the project is complete. Contractor J.K. Trotter's work is under warranty for one year from the date of substantial completion. A letter of substantial completion was written in September.
Pollex said Trotter has been made aware of all complaints and has worked to repair ditches, roads, yards and other areas disturbed by the project. Yards have been re-seeded, but the grass has not had time to grow.
He cautioned that the board cannot hold the remainder of the final payment indefinitely, but suggested waiting a short time before paying it.
Some areas may need more attention before the board is satisfied. Dirt is still settling in some areas.
Trustee Kirk Pestka said he knows of at least one ditch that still needs to be repaired.
The board also discussed the facility charge on water and sewer bills. Former Mayor Bill Place said that the $2.50 facility charge for water and sewer was approved many years ago at the request of the federal government.
The charges are a way to separate cost of water from the cost of operating a water and sewer system.
The figures are used when applying for grants and other financing for water/sewer projects such as the one that was just completed.
The facility fees did not raise water or sewer rates. Instead, it designated $5.00 (or $2.50 for those who have only water or sewer service) of a minimum water bill as facility charges. The cost for a minimum water bill did not change.
Around that time, the board reduced the minimum water use from 2,000 gallons to 1,000 gallons, effectively lowering water bills for low-use customers, Place said.
He added that the board can remove the water and sewer fees from the bills if they prefer, but it would not change what customers pay.