On March 14, 2016 at the regularly scheduled open meeting, the City Council took the first step to examine the sustainability and source of a quality water system for Linn Valley. The Council voted unanimously to invite engineers to answer a Request for Qualifications. In this initial phase, an engineering firm will be selected to complete a Preliminary Engineer Report (PER). The PER will be used by the Council to provide information to citizens to determine the feasibility and need to improve our water system. This first step is like all other first steps—a baby step.
The new low pressure sewer project has been in the works for six to eight years. During installation of the sewer system, some were asking is the City going to address the water system. Others are asking why the City is starting on the water system now. Here is why we are taking this preliminary step.
- The lack of water resources and water pressure directly affects our ISO rating for fire protection causing our homeowners insurance premiums to be high.
- Interest rates are at an all time low for loans from USDA Rural Development and grants are also available.
- We are growing. There are currently six new homes being built, another reason that Linn Valley is the third largest city in Linn County.
Before a decision is made to move forward to improve our water system we need input from professionals. We will also need input from our citizens through town hall meetings and a citizen task force. We cannot wait until we are in a crisis situation to begin the lengthy process of developing and funding a major project. We may find out we are all just fine and will be for another ten years. We are all together on the ground floor and good information will get us where we need to be. Please attend the City Council meetings on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.