City Council considers level pay for sewer rates

The hot and dry summer has the attention of the Butler City Council, and they are considering a "leveling" process for summer sewer rates. Residents would still pay for the water they use, but the sewer usage would be based on winter months, and paid over a year's period. It's a bit like some folks have the gas company figure that usage, so that they have a 12-month average, instead of very high gas bills for part of the year, and very low costs the other months. It's very helpful for folks on a budget, because they have a rough idea of the monthly charge. The Council will be studying this further.

As you may know, properties around the county that become delinquent on their taxes, reach a point where the property is sold on the courthouse steps, to the highest bidders. This happens each August, and usually, several properties are on the list. Both the city and county are included in this action on first, second and third-year tax sales. The date and time for this year's tax sale will be posted later.
And speaking of taxes, the Finance Committee is working on the property tax levy. The county has to set an assessed valuation, which becomes a part of a formula that determines what the tax rate will be for the coming fiscal year. The committee will consider, and then recommend its findings to the Council, which then works with the County on the basis for the tax levy.

The Park and Recreation commission is studying the renting of space for advertising signs and/or banners on the outfield fences at the local ball fields. Any change would require the approval of an amendment to the zoning regulations, for this to be allowed. The Commission also decided that the extension of the Trail of Memories through the park will stay as originally proposed, next to High Street.

The Planning Commission is considering amendments to the zoning regulations that all home occupations when a Conditional Use Permit is approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. There'll be a public hearing August 7th for considering the proposed amendments.

The Airport Commission is looking into the condition underneath the runways, in conjunction with drainage and other problems. The City would pay ten percent of the study, which would run under five thousand dollars.

Testing at the Light Plant by Criswell Engineering, found that the batteries for backup power, needed to be replaced, along with a relay in the switchgear. That relay was replaced with on that was on hand at the Light Plant, and the bad one has been sent off for rebuilding or replacement. The batteries are necessary to provide backup power to operate the switchgear and the Caterpillar generators in the event of a loss of power from the KAMO interconnection. The old batteries will be sold for salvage value.
It's interesting to know that city employees help the City save on operating expenses wherever possible. As we've said at other times...the Feds need to take notice of how its cities operate.

Swimmers will be pleased to hear that the re-circulation pump for the Lazy River at the Aquatic Center will have been replaced by the time you hear this, so all is well in that area.

And we remind that the vote on the one-eighth cent sales tax for Fire Department equipment will be voted this August 7th. This will just be a continuation of the old tax.

The Butler City Council meets each first and third Tuesdays at City Hall at seven p.m. Visitors are welcome, but those wishing to bring up something to the Council must make an appointment beforehand. 679-4182.

-story by FM 92 the Bullet