March 29, 2024

Fontanelle council focused in on infrastructure talks

Fontanelle Mayor Mary Sturdy-Martin says she's "encouraged" by the due diligence the council is taking to listen to the concerns of citizens before they make any tough decisions surrounding the city's infrastructure upgrades that would effect the daily lives of those citizens.

The highlight to last Monday's city council meeting was a discussion on sewer rates and other factors residents brought up. Another meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24, to continue the discussion in more of a "work session" format.

"We really are listening to what our citizens and businesses are saying. They're really [asking us] are you look at all of your options before you make decisions? I think that's a fair question. As we look at our infrastructure and the systems that need updated — not just the sewer system but water systems and things like that — we're really looking at what is in the best interest and how can we provide this with good stewardship but still have the least impact to our citizens," Sturdy-Martin said. "We're really wanting to come together and look at all avenues."

Sewer rates were hiked at the beginning of January for both residential and commercial users because of a sewer lagoon project that is in the works that will need paid for.

The hikes, Sturdy-Martin indicated in January, were made under the advisement of a financial counselor the council had met with. The hikes pushed residential base rates to $36 per month and commercial base rates to $256 per month.

Sturdy-Martin said the council's meeting Feb. 24 will begin to allow the council to "dig deeper" and find correct answers to hindrances the city is facing as it decides how to properly pay for sewer and water upgrades, and more.

"We have asked the rural water association to come and speak. [City Clerk] Amanda [Held] was in the process of asking them and I don't know if they're going to be able to make it on the 24th, but we are asking them when they would be available to come and chat about that option. We're looking at all options, looking at doing our due diligence for our citizens," Sturdy-Martin said.

"I think it's great that the suggestion was brought up that we could probably meet more often, and probably need to, as we dig deeper into all the questions and possibilities. Everybody on the council was on board with that," Sturdy-Martin concluded. "I think that's huge. I think people are really feeling that we were put in these positions to do the best that we can do and I feel an excitement that everybody really wants to work together as a team and wants the best option, which is great."