Fort Pierre residents to vote on rural water deal

By David Montgomery
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Friday, Oct 09, 2009 - 12:40:01 am CDT

FORT PIERRE — The city of Fort Pierre’s deal to purchase more expensive rural water isn’t out of the woods yet.

Around 150 Fort Pierre residents signed petitions to refer to a popular vote the council’s decision to sign a water purchase agreement with West River/Lyman-Jones Rural Water Systems. Petitioners are upset over the higher fees involved — up 66 percent higher for many customers — and believe the city is rushing into the deal.

“I don’t know what the benefit really is,” said Dale Kastner, a Fort Pierre resident who circulated petitions to refer the decision to a popular vote. “I don’t know what’s wrong with our water right now.”

Proponents of the rural water deal say minerals in Fort Pierre’s well-based water are hard on appliances and add significant costs to water-using businesses such as bars, car washes and water parks.

The petitions were turned in Wednesday. Within 10 days of the submission of the petitions, the Fort Pierre City Council must meet consider them and set a date for an election. The election must be on a Tuesday within 30 days of the petition submission.

Fort Pierre Finance Officer David Page said the available dates for an election if the petition is upheld are Oct. 20, Oct. 27 or Nov. 3.

Mayor Sam Tidball, a supporter of the rural water agreement, said he looks forward to the election.

“It’ll be good to have the election to decide whether people really want better quality water,” Tidball said.

After the rural water agreement was approved, Tidball said there was a chance a legal technicality could make the referendum not referable. But Tidball said Thursday he won’t try to block the vote.

“I wouldn’t stand in the way of the election,” he said. “If they have the petition and it’s been legally signed, I certainly think we should go ahead with the election.”

The referendum would only affect the decision to purchase the rural water and not the separate ordinance raising water rates. Tidball said if the voters rejected the rural water agreement, the city council would probably revisit the city’s water rates — but he said the rates will still go up somewhat to cover existing costs.

Kastner said he hopes the election brings public input to a process he believes has lacked it.

“They kind of pushed it through without letting the public know about it,” he said. “My commissioner didn’t call me or any of my neighbors to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to switch to this rural water. What do you think about this?’”

But Tidball said he believes most Fort Pierre residents will support the rural water decision.

“I’m sure there will be some on both sides, as there usually is,” he said. “I think the majority of people probably feel that it’s good to have better quality water.”

Whichever way the public votes, Tidball said the fact an election is being held is unusual. In his 20 years in city government, Tidball said this is the first referendum he remembers.

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Comments

37 comment(s)

Ft. Pierre resident wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:29 PM:

" Yes, the election is drawing close. I thought maybe the city would put some facts and figures out for us, but it's not looking good. I guess I will vote for what I know, not for all the pie in the sky, especially with all the increases we are facing on a national and local level. "

Inquiring2 wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:41 PM:

" Also, if the journal would pick maybe 5 to 10 rural residents in Stanley County that are on rural water that would be willing to give their consumption and their average cost per month for that, it might help. Woudl be wise to have the information from county residents that are on it - some from western stanley; some from southern stanley to give is a better idea on their fees & useage. Maybe even would be good to have intown samples also...again, maybe 5 to 10 residents that are willing to divulge their use & bill.Thanks. "

Inquiring wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:38 PM:

" Just inquiring to the journal if there will be some more information (based on current facual data as well as projected) from the city regarding this election issue? the election is just over a week away (Nov 17th) and there hasnt been much on it...other than what sam has said. Can we get fact based info printed from the city office on current costs; current usage daily & yearly; projected costs; how much is paid for areas such as parks, etc and what is estimated it will be if the changeover happens? "

could be worse wrote on Oct 27, 2009 12:53 PM:

" although I am against the automatic change to rural water (without further review & getting the report back first), I guess it could be worse. We could be in Pierre while they talk about a 20 mil electrical upgrade; 10 min water park; 3 mil parking garage; pet park; continual upgrades to the golf course and more... I seriously would hate to be a taxpayer trying to figure out how to survive with some of those luxeries (except electrical). "

Dudley wrote on Oct 26, 2009 9:00 PM:

" When I think of the SD communities that have poor tasting water, I see one thing in common; they are all surface water systems. I do not want to see Fort Pierre jump the gun and switch to a surface water system if there are other options. Especially if those options are more cost effective. I think the engineering report will tell that story. Unfortunately some on the council would rather shoot first and ask questions later.

OBTW, WRLJ water still requires a softener to get soft water=less savings. "

j wrote on Oct 26, 2009 9:54 AM:

" I recently moved to Fort pierre from the country where we had rural water. I already miss the water. It tastes great, doesn't leave stains on houses or driveways when watering, water heaters last 10 times as long. Your clothes are whiter and last longer. Shower heads and Ice makers don't plug up. In my opinion to pass this opportunity up would be the most foolish thing the city of Ft. Pierre has ever done. "

justathought wrote on Oct 23, 2009 2:31 PM:

" I talked to someone who has rural water . She said it is very expensive AND she has to have a water softner.
I would rather buy bottled water and
take care of my lawn and garden both. How do you figure people on fixed incomes are going to be able to afford this? "

wish Id known wrote on Oct 23, 2009 9:45 AM:

" that just after I decide to purchase a house in Ft. Pierre the electric and water rates were going to go up. One of the main reasons I purchased in Ft. PIerre was lower cost for utilities. Just my luck. I think maybe I made the wrong choice. "

to its great wrote on Oct 23, 2009 7:35 AM:

" If you had read the article you would know that the deal the city of Ft. Pierre wants to do IS with West River Lyman Jones. Thier minimum is $40.00 for 1000 gallons. Dont assume anything if you are not from here. We here have all been educated by them. "

fort pierre resident wrote on Oct 21, 2009 11:15 AM:

" Dear City leaders:
Wait for study, taxpayers deserve this. Publish it.
Make sure that the new water can be verfiied as publically safe. Are the tests available?
What does the future hold for either system?
Publish detail on your methods of pricing.
Facts enable good decisisons by all, stop 43bj6rumors and help build community. Thanks. "

Its great wrote on Oct 21, 2009 8:15 AM:

" I don't live in the country, I live in a city that is hooked up to rural water, and we do not have a minimum charge of $40. I suspect the city of Fort Pierre would be similar to our situation. "

to its great wrote on Oct 20, 2009 8:39 PM:

" You are apparently not on WRLJ because their minimum is $40.00. You could not have a $32.00 bill if you are on West River Lyman Jones. That is $40.00 minimum for 1000 gallons. 5000 gallons is $52.50.These are facts. "

bob wrote on Oct 20, 2009 12:01 PM:

" I Haven't checked this out yet but I expect city water will be consderably cheaper than rural water. Were talking miles of pipe to deliver rural water to a customer compared to maybe a 100 feet in town.
People probably won't fully appreciate good water unless they have to go back to what we have now. Kind of like when we got REA we didn't appreciate how bright electric lights were until the power went off and we had to read by the kerosene lamp.
I hope our city fathers will answer some of these questions before the vote. "

Its great wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:21 AM:

" While the highest bill I paid this year was $70, from September to May I usually pay around $32.00. I remember having to replace softener systems, hot water heaters, dishwashers and ice makers because of all the minerals in our artesian water. It all adds up in the end. "

to fort pierre resident wrote on Oct 20, 2009 9:54 AM:

" the rates would have gone up anyway, yes. but theres a difference in going up a couple bucks compared to another 66%. Some complain about the water quality...well, it passes the state requirements doesnt it? we ALL used to drink it for years and years without complaint....until the fad of bottled water came about. There are many towns that dont or never had drinkable water, so we should be happy with ours. And what IF we didnt ahve the opportunity for rural water. Did you know several years ago the city was running completely offruralwaterforabout3weeks?yep...andno_onesaid"wowthequalityofwaterjustgotbetter." "

country water wrote on Oct 20, 2009 7:40 AM:

" I live in the country and water everything also. I wish I had $70.00 for water bills. My garden is large so maybe that's it. I also still need a water softner. They will tell you that you do not but believe me you do. Call your softner dealer and ask how many people in the country have them. Quite a few. Even if the cost was $70.00 a month, that is a far cry from $16.00. Hope you people vote no for the fixed income people. They cant afford a minimum $50.00 jump. Think of them. "

to its great wrote on Oct 19, 2009 10:17 PM:

" I live in Fort Pierre and I water my garden & yard too...and wash my vehicle. I dont buy bottled water for home - I drink outta the tap. I only buy bottled water for roadtrips. I own the softener, so only pay for maybe a bag a month of salt. But, this summer, my highest water bill was just about $21 for it all.... so, with water & salt, I maybe paid $25 one or two months....thats a big difference compared to $70 isnt it? "

Fort Pierre Resident wrote on Oct 19, 2009 8:40 PM:

" From what I have heard, the price is going to go up anyways, so if it is going to go up anyways why not have the good water? "

its great wrote on Oct 19, 2009 12:42 PM:

" I live in a community that has rural water and we still water our garden and lawn. Our highest bill this past summer was $70.00. Plus we no longer need to use a water softener. We no longer buy bottled water to drink, either. We're very happy with the rural water system. "

to fort pierre resident wrote on Oct 18, 2009 8:14 PM:

" Im not afraid of rural water. If the cost was the same, I say go for it. But, the cost is NOT the same - actually quite high and thats hard to take when people cant afford stuff the way it is. As for being able to take the water softener out, I beg to differ. The water may be a bit softer, but you wont be able to take it out. I obviously live in the wrong part of town cuz I dont have the water problems people are saying they have. "

Fort Pierre Resident wrote on Oct 16, 2009 10:52 AM:

" Having moved to Ft. Pierre four years ago from an area that had rural water it was a horrible transition. I was so excited when I found out that Ft. Pierre was switching and now I'm miffed that we will lose this opportunity to get decent water because of fear mongers. Not having to have water softeners and dealing with the effects of hard water more than make up for the extra expense that it's going to cost. All of you people who are afraid of rural water should try it. You'll be surprised. "

thanks wrote on Oct 16, 2009 9:54 AM:

" thanks goes to "Country" for showing us your water bill. More stuff like that needs to be pointed out - which hasnt in the past or by the Mayor. I do appreciate seeing in black & white those cost breakdowns.....plus, you are right, how many elderly & low income folks can afford a jump like that? even "well off" folks are hit hard by that. People, we all need to realize that we have not yet seen the electric & sewer increases yet which will be happening also soon. We can survive with currentwater,butwedontneeda$54increase inwateralone!! "

country wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:30 AM:

" I live in the country and have WRLJ water. The water is great but expensive. Our minimum is $40.00 for 1000 gallons. It is $70.00 for 12,000 gallons. The current cost in Ft Pierre is a $16.00 minimum for 12,000 gallons. That is a difference of $54.00 per month. Comes to $648.00 per year. How can the elderly or low income afford this. Also, who will water their lawns at this kind of cost? So much for "cleaning up" Ft. Pierre. A water cooler for drinking water is around $8.00 per month.Try that. "

Ft. Pierre Girl Cont wrote on Oct 14, 2009 1:05 PM:

" I think the Mayor & Council should have had solutions in place to upgrade the quality of our water before now. After all the citizens and this includes our Council members have known about our water problems for some years now! Bring on the vote! "

Ft. Pierre Girl wrote on Oct 14, 2009 12:59 PM:

" I would love our water quality to be better, but not at the cost that it is going to be. I worry about people on fixed incomes. Will this push them out of their own homes to an apartment or to assisted living? I have a LARGE LAWN and GARDEN and want to keep them, but with the cost I don't see that happening. I wish our Mayor & Council would have taken steps to ensure our quaility of water. Is that not what we elected them for? Seems to me that they should "

Dave wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:41 AM:

" I live in Pierre, and I sure wish we could do something about our water. I'd be willing to pay a considerable increase in water for better quality. "

undoubtedly wrote on Oct 12, 2009 1:10 PM:

" I think residents do understand that rates would go up a "little" to offset rising costs in supplies/materials/etc, but Im sure it wouldnt go up 66%. Let alone no one (not even Sam) knows whats on the upcoming report. Make sure when the facts & figures come out, Sam doesnt glorify rural water too much....dont forget that $60,000+ figure that was mentioned in previous articles...that will probably get "swept under the rug" or re-allocated in a differnt category so that its not shown. Talk to the councilmen...get their input. Even if its not your councilman,talktothem.Maybeeventalktoformercouncilmentootogettheirinput. "

Ft.Pierre Resident wrote on Oct 12, 2009 10:39 AM:

" I love how the council and mayor love to push things through without more of a public opinion. The only opinion they want are the money backers the people who already struggle to pay their utility bill suffer even more. Raise water, sewer, electric in an already hurting economy why don't you. Those that don't qualify for assistance but struggle won't be able to pay their bill and then tack on a fee too...i'm sure those fees help on top of the already high bill! Why not help your community instead of the elite group inMarionGardens! "

Water User wrote on Oct 12, 2009 10:06 AM:

" I agree with waiting for the engineers report. I was also told by one of the Fort Pierre city employees that building a treatment plant is one option that they are looking at. Our water rates and taxes would both go up if that is the case. They would have to hire extra people to run a treatment plant. Why not use the treated water from the Rural Water System. But, like I said, let's wait for the engineer's report. "

resident wrote on Oct 11, 2009 8:21 PM:

" I hope ALL the facts and figures are out there before we vote. "

Anxious to vote wrote on Oct 9, 2009 3:26 PM:

" Thank you, Mr. Kastner. "

I LIKE THIS wrote on Oct 9, 2009 12:44 PM:

" If I get this right, Mayor Tidball is saying that the rates will go up even if they don't go with the rural water, trying to make people think they have no options. The way this is worded it sounds like a threat. Time to vote in a new mayor. I hope this goes to a vote. "

Ft pierre 49 wrote on Oct 9, 2009 12:21 PM:

" Thank you Mr. Kastner. I could not understand why we had to pay high prices for water that would water our lawns and flush our toilets. I buy water in bottles to drink - thank you and
thank you "

I signed wrote on Oct 9, 2009 11:59 AM:

" okay, so I signed the petition. I signed merely because I dont think the council took into consideration of the pending report thats due back in the next month or so. I think the council (or at least some of them) acted too quickly plus didnt take into consideration more input from citizens....and then for Sam to schedule a "special" meeting to discuss the contract, then it just so happens the whole thing gets pushed through that same night. Listen to your people first of all. 2nd- why not waitfor the reportandseewhatithastosay.itcostmoneyforthatreportsowhynotlookatit.? "

b wrote on Oct 9, 2009 11:36 AM:

" When the rural water was coming to Presho, I was dead against it also. I am so glad we have it now. It is well worth every extra penny we have to pay for it. Believe me you will be happy to have it. "

Wish Pierre had your opportunity wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:14 AM:

" I am a not a Ft. Pierre resident but I wish Pierre had the opportunity to just switch over to the better water... The Rural water is so much better all the way around.... I cant beleive they are going to vote on having better water.... Stop buying 4 bottles of bottled water a month and there is your difference. Your price for water will not have changed. "

Abby wrote on Oct 9, 2009 9:21 AM:

" Trust me, once you have good water, you won't want to go back to the lesser quality water.... "

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