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Garfield adopts 2025 water‑rate study as operator announces resignation
Summary
The Garfield City Council adopted Resolution 213 to implement a 2025 water‑system rate study and discussed a 29.36% unaccounted-for water loss; the Water Distribution operator confirmed repairs and said he will resign March 31, 2025.
Garfield’s City Council adopted Resolution 213 on March 11, 2025, approving a 2025 water‑system rate study and recommendations intended to guide utility rates and capital planning. Council Member Smead moved to adopt the resolution; Council Member Teeselink seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Gary Blackburn introduced the study and said the council received a presentation from Jerry Kopke of Kopke and Associates. Blackburn also briefed the council on near‑term capital work for the city’s water tank: final drawings are expected next week and the metal components are due to arrive on site in about two weeks.
Water Distribution operator Duncan Artt confirmed repairs to two leaking lines and reported February’s unaccounted‑for water loss at 29.36 percent. Artt told the council he will resign effective March 31, 2025. Mayor Blackburn said two applications for the Water Distribution Operator vacancy have been received and interviews will be held March 21, 2025.
The meeting record also notes a vendor rate change affecting utility costs: Blackburn said the monthly unit rate charged by Fenix will increase from $1.10 to $1.25. The council did not indicate any immediate change to customer billing schedules at the March 11 meeting.
The council’s adoption of the rate‑study resolution provides a policy framework for future rate decisions and capital planning; the city has scheduled hiring steps to replace the departing operator.
