Bowerston mayor warns utility rates may rise for water project

At the March 17 meeting of the Bowerston Village Council, Mayor Chase Bryant said he would like to schedule a meeting of the utilities committee prior to the April meeting.

Bryant said that in working with project funding administrator Paula Beamer on the finances for the proposed water treatment plant project, it is very likely that utility rates for the village will need to be increased.

Beamer said she has “been running numbers repeatedly” in an effort to find a way to avoid raising costs for consumers, but she “has not been able to find a way” to accomplish this.

Bryant said that he “wanted to discuss the matter with the utilities committee prior to making a recommendation to council.”

Beamer further reported she would like all of council to review information provided at RCAP.org or YouTube on the basics of rate-setting. Beamer said it explains how utilities must be self-supporting and not rely on the general fund for assistance. Further, she said “comparing Bowerston’s rates, although on the low side, with neighboring communities is not realistic.”

In other discussion, new community members Liz Scholl and Bruce Richmond were present at the meeting to introduce themselves to council and make a couple of inquiries regarding village ordinances.

Richmond asked if it is permissible to keep chickens in the village, and Bryant advised that it is not. There is an ordinance prohibiting the keeping of livestock.

Richmond further inquired about the work that is currently being done in the village, and utilities operator Jeremiah Warner explained the sewer system upgrades.

Scholl inquired as to who owns the property of the alley that is marked as vacated next to her home and was advised that at the time of the abandonment of the alley, the property reverted half and half to the bordering property owners.

Solicitor Luke Brand reported he has been working with Bryant and Beamer on the contract with the Spicer Group for the construction contract for the water distribution system.

Brand said that he has reviewed the contract and believes that there are several areas that need to be addressed before council approves it.

First, Brand would like to see the liability responsibility for the firm increase. The limit is set at approximately 10% of the total project cost, as currently stated, and after a discussion with council, all agreed that this amount is insufficient.

Second, Brand expressed a concern that the firm is not providing construction supervision, which is estimated at more than three-quarters of a million dollars.

Lastly, Brand explained that that some work needs to be done with a contingency clause in the contract, and he seeks to have this reduced by at least 10%. Beamer, who has been involved with the water project since its inception, cautioned that time should be taken to iron these important issues out.

Other action included:

Beamer was appointed to the Harrison County Planning Commission.

Village Administrator Bart Busby and Beamer were appointed to the Harrison County CIC.

Council passed Resolution 10-2026, establishing new funds for short-lived assets and debt service reserve.

Council heard a report from Beamer on congressional funding grants that she is working on with Quicksall’s Erin Wright.

Council heard a report on utility billing status from Clerk Juliet Bryant.

Council heard a report from Brand on the status of the Bridge Street bridge replacement project.

Council learned that no action has been taken to make plans for the 250th anniversary celebration.

A records committee meeting was set for 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, just prior to the regular April meeting at 6 p.m.