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Mulberry council votes to hire part‑time licensed operator to tackle brown water; source filtration plan launched
Summary
The Mulberry Town Council approved bringing on a part‑time WT3‑licensed operator to help evaluate and install source‑water filtration to address recurring brown, iron‑stained water. The council authorized 10 hours per week at $30/hour and directed staff to pursue testing, quotes and grant funding.
The Mulberry Town Council voted to bring a part‑time licensed water treatment operator on staff to address recurring brown and rusty water in the town system.
The council approved a motion to hire Chase Thompson — a water‑treatment operator the council said holds a Level 3 license — to work 10 hours per week at $30 an hour starting July 6. “So, I would make a motion that we, effective July 6, bring Chase Thompson on at a part time rate, $30 an hour, 10 hours a week,” the chair said when making the motion; the motion was seconded and carried.
Council members told the operator would work with Nick, the town’s utility operator, to map the system, run tests, identify suitable filtration technology and produce cost estimates. Lewis, the council member overseeing water issues, said the plan is twofold: use an experienced operator to get the project moving and help Nick obtain a WT‑3 license so he can maintain the system long term.
Nick described the town’s current treatment steps and why source filtration is being pursued. “We do sequester minerals with phosphate that we add to the water. … When we flush, we’re scaling the inside of the main, and it’s pulling excess phosphate that has collected the minerals, and that’s what’s stirring up everything,” he said, explaining why filtering source water before it reaches the tower should reduce brown water episodes.
Council members said the approach will begin with sampling and lab analysis to determine iron and manganese levels and then move to cost estimates and funding. Lewis noted possible USDA and other grants could help cover construction costs; the council directed staff to pursue quotes, grants and bonds as necessary.
The vote authorizes Thompson’s part‑time start and funds the position for the remainder of the fiscal year; the council said it will include the position in the salary ordinance at budget time. If the source‑filtration project proceeds, the town expects a multi‑step process that could take a year or longer depending on design and funding.
The council recorded the motion without naming a tally on the record but proceeded with hiring steps immediately after the vote; staff were directed to notify Thompson and begin coordination with Nick and grant writers.
