The city of Gallatin invites its residents to an open house at the water plant from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, according to City Administrator Zac Johnson. City crews will be available to give tours and answer questions.
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This is the second of three public meetings set to discuss the water plant in regard to the revenue bond question to be placed on the ballot in November. Citizens will vote on the purchase of a new water treatment plant.
About 10 people showed up for the first meeting on Oct. 4, at the Dockery Park building
In general, questions at the meeting were about the funding of the water plant. Johnson stressed the point that the city first had to pass the bond election before it could officially submit applications for grant money.
He also explained that sewer rates would not be effected by the bond issue.
The city’s engineer was present and discussed some of the points that were published in last week’s paper about the existing treatment plant and water quality.
"As long as the public is educated on the issue I think it will be an easy sale," Mr. Johnson said. "We’re confident the project we’re proposing is the cheapest and best route for providing good quality water to the residents of Gallatin."
He said that doing nothing was not an option as far as the water plant is concerned.
"The cost of maintaining the plant is growing each and every day and is driving the fact that we’ve got to do something," he said. "Components are constantly wearing out and there is the case for catastrophic failure at the plant."
Johnson said the tour of the water plant on Oct. 13 will help show people first hand the problems faced there.
"Staff will be on hand to answer questions and show everybody around," he said. "They’ll learn how the plant works and how it should work. People will get a better understanding of why a simple upgrade isn’t really even an option."
Another public meeting to discuss the bond is set for Oct. 27.