Mulga council adopts resolution funding water and gas operations, approves meter warranty replacements

Mayor W. Keith Varner and the Mulga Town Council on Jan. 6 adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, authorizing the superintendent of the Mulga Water & Gas Department to expend funds to manage and maintain department services. The resolution passed after a motion from Councilmember Gage Kelley and a second from Councilmember Jeremy Davis; roll-call votes recorded approval by Seats 1–5 and the mayor.

The meeting also addressed equipment under warranty. "We have many water meters to return under warranty," Mayor Varner said, and the council approved a motion to send 95 5/8-inch Itron meters and 5 1-inch Itron meters in for warranty replacement. The motion was made by Councilmember Lelan Taylor, seconded by Councilmember Lisa Armstrong, and passed by unanimous roll call.

The council discussed recent utility performance data. Mayor Varner said, "The MORS report showed that we had 26.67% in unaccounted water loss last month," and provided a weekly revenue summary of $27,453.06 in credit-card receipts and $28,604.60 in non-credit-card receipts. Council members did not record further action on the water-loss figure during the meeting; the resolution and meter warranty shipments were the immediate operational responses taken.

Councilmembers also approved attendance and associated travel expenses for three upcoming trainings and conferences: a water-class/expo Aug. 10–16, 2026 in Florida (noted cost of $250 per person plus hotel, airfare and meals), an NLC utilities conference March 15–20, 2026 (early-bird price $880 per person plus travel), and the American Public Gas Association conference July 25–31, 2026 (free to attend; travel costs expected). Councilmember Gage Kelley moved to approve registration, hotel, airfare and meals for all three events; Councilmember Lisa Armstrong seconded and the motion passed unanimously by roll call.

The council also noted property enforcement activity around 121 Front Street and said it will "move forward" on that property; Mayor Varner indicated the occupant is expected to move out by the end of the month but that the council will continue to pursue next steps. The meeting concluded with routine approvals: the Dec. 16, 2025 minutes and the bills for payment were approved earlier in the meeting by unanimous roll calls.

The superintendent and department staff are authorized to carry out the procurement and warranty return actions approved by the council; no timetable for completion was given during the meeting.