During a recent city council meeting, the council approved expenditures for June 2024, following a motion and a roll call vote. The meeting transitioned into a public forum where residents were invited to voice their concerns.
One notable speaker, Ray Bansal, raised alarms about the town's water distribution system, particularly in light of recent cybersecurity breaches affecting utility systems nationwide. Bansal emphasized that while the town has sufficient water supply, the distribution infrastructure could falter in the event of a power outage, potentially jeopardizing access for vulnerable populations, especially the elderly.
Bansal urged the council to consider enhancing the town's water delivery capabilities and suggested increasing propane storage for generators. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with city officials to address these concerns, highlighting the urgency for proactive leadership in water management.
In response, a council member reassured Bansal that the city is actively working to improve its water storage capacity, with a new 2,000,000-gallon tank set to come online soon. This addition would significantly increase the town's water supply from 1.5 million gallons to 3.5 million gallons. The council member emphasized that the city is well-equipped to handle water needs and urged residents not to panic over perceived shortages.
The meeting concluded with a presentation from Doug of the Washington County Water Conservancy District, who was invited to discuss excess water usage surcharge fees, indicating ongoing efforts to manage water resources effectively.