Summer Summary

I am happy to report that we did not have any water outages this summer, which was one of the hottest and driest on record!

This can be attributed to some recent repairs that were made.

Most significant was the replacement of the West (backup) well pump and piping. Also repaired were some leaky fittings to the secondary booster pump in the well house.

Hopefully you have noticed the more consistent water pressure we have been enjoying this summer.

Coming Soon! www.gracemarwater.org

I have secured the above domain name and will be building a web site for the district over the next several weeks.

My goal is to have all news, updates and reconciliations available online for your convenience.

Eventually we would like to offer the option of online water bill payment.

Another feature will be the option of an email address at this domain.

Total cost? $20.00 annually for the domain registration. I will build and host the site myself at no additional cost to the district.

State Funding Application

While attending a seminar for small water districts, I learned that there are State grants and low interest financing programs available to small water districts like Grace Mar.

I have contacted the state and submitted the necessary paperwork to be on the eligibility list. These applications are reviewed individually during the next calendar year.

There is no guarantee that we will receive any money, but at least we are on the list for consideration.

Best scenario is that we receive grant money for the renovation project, minimizing or avoiding any additional assessments.

Worst case we may be eligible for low interest financing for the planned improvements, also minimizing the need for additional assessments.

Tank Replacement and
Special Assessment

After much research and on the recommendation of the engineer, we have decided to replace the existing storage tank with a concrete tank. There are many advantages to concrete, but it is a little more expensive than a steel tank.

Also after doing some research and on the recommendation of the engineer, we have determined that the tank replacement is an integral part of the system renovation and should be done together.

The cost of this project will exceed what was originally budgeted and may require an additional assessment if we are unable to obtain any grant or financing.

I am optimistic that we will obtain some type of grant or financing, but it may not happen in time to begin the project in which case we will hold a meeting to discuss the possibility of an additional assessment.
If we do get some financing or a grant toward the, we can refund all or part of the assessment or put it toward future usage fees depending on the amount of the grant or financing.

The plan is to begin this project in March.

As you recall from several years ago, a special assessment of $2200 was approved for this project.

At the last meeting we had set a due date of Sept 30st, but since we have pushed the project out to March we have a small reprieve.

The new due dates are as follows:

$500.00 by Nov, 1st. This is so we can put deposits down on materials and services for the project.

The remaining balance of $1700.00 by Dec. 31st.

Long Term Outlook

While this may be a financial inconvenience, keep in mind that this project is long overdue and we have been on borrowed time.

When this project is complete, we should be trouble free for a very long time and will enjoy some economic savings which could result in lowering the usage charges.

We will be able to enjoy higher, more consistent water pressure, and without the worry of the tank running too low.

Having this new system will increase the value of your property!

If you have any questions, please contact me at 303-554-9109 or by email at paulhaberstroh@mac.com

Thanks for your patience and cooperation!

Paul Haberstroh, President