Board questions $665,000 city quote to extend water main to new baseball park

Board members pressed city and district staff for answers after the district received a $665,000 quote to extend water service to a new baseball park and associated facilities. The cost covers extending the public water main from the point where the current, larger line ends to the baseball property; staff said the existing 2-inch line in the area is inadequate for restroom needs and fire suppression.

Jim Doss, speaking for city interests in the conversation, explained how water and sewer extensions are routinely cost-shared when multiple parties and new businesses will benefit. "If FlowZone was the only one out there and they requested a line and they weren't gonna come off of it anyway, then they would have to pay for the whole thing to go out and close it," Doss said; he also offered to take the matter to city council and check budget options. Board members suggested inviting a city manager or engineer to the April 1 special meeting to explain the quote and discuss whether the city would contribute or how cost‑sharing might work.

District members proposed alternatives, including tying a district meter to the end of the city line and running a district-owned line from that point to the baseball park, or asking affected businesses to contribute. The board emphasized a need for clearer cost breakdowns and possible options that would reduce the district’s share before approving any expenditure. Staff agreed to invite city representatives and the district’s engineer to the special meeting to present technical and financial details.

No formal payment or commitment was recorded at the meeting; the board asked staff to seek more information and to place the topic on the April 1 special meeting agenda.