By Marie MacKay

PROVIDENCE -- Residents are tired of being left in the dark when it comes to decisions made by the City Council.

In a heated discussion Tuesday, Providence residents filled a small room in the city office building to speak out against extending various sewer and water lines around the city. These concerns are a small part of the many changes the council has made without better informing residents.

"We come here with a mixed basket of emotions and facts," David Anderson said. "I just want to know what's going to happen."

Residents fear that changes to the sewer and water lines will have a negative impact on the rural community they are accustomed to living in.

To solve any further conflicts, the council invited Anderson to represent the residents at each meeting the city holds concerning issues such as sewer, water and streets.

The council also agreed to wait to extend the sewer and water lines until an adequate study is performed. The study will indicate whether the proposed extension of the lines will be enough to prevent sewage back-ups as the city continues to grow.

The council has been waiting until now to begin extending sewer and water lines in order to use impact fees from homes that are built in Providence. Councilwoman Deon Johnson said, "It's time to complete our sewer system. We've got the money to pay for this. I think this is an ideal situation."

It would cost $261,000 to extend the sewer and water lines. The original sewer system was built for the projected growth of the city in 2015. However, the city's growth has exceeded the projected growth. The council hopes this extension will solve the problem.

In other business, the council discussed the results of a feasibility study of the development of a municipal park and a pond irrigation system. The pond will utilize the city's water shares in the Blacksmith Fork Irrigation Co. lower ditch, along 300 West.

The park and pond with not be built for several years due to funding. The pond will hold 19 million gallons of water a year and supply water for 80 properties.

NW
TJ

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