Water Rate Hike to Begin in January
To fix the town’s water system problems, the Midvale city council voted at it’s regular meeting Monday evening to raise the city water rates to $50 per month. Before the vote, the four residents who were there for the publicized water rate hearing gave input on the issue. All agreed that something must be done to avoid future interference from the DEQ if the system continues to deteriorate. The new rate will go into effect in January 2026.
It will take some time for the water fund to grow enough to address some of the issues since there are only 120 customers. The first might be to use an acid wash on the existing wells to increase flow. Also suggested by Brady Whitener was to drill a new well up on the bench and also install a storage tank. These projects would be overseen by the city and would not involve outside engineers or the federal government, giving local control and keeping costs down.
Also approved was the 25-year franchise agreement with Idaho Power that allows them to service poles and lines on city property. There are no funds collected under this agreement which is renewed every 25 years.
Clerk Mariah Johnson reminded the council that two members are up for election in November. They are Brady Whitener and Mike Rebman. Also running for a seat is Boden Meyer.
Airport manager Jake Mikek was present to report on his efforts to write grants. He would like to install a local weather station at the airport for pilots to access before they fly to Midvale. The cost would run $10-20,000 unless he and his father are able to do it themselves. The council was agreeable to the plan.
City water samples were taken and sent to the lab. This is done every four years.
The park will be the site for the Swimming Pool’s annual fall festival on October 25.
The next regular meeting of the council will be November 10 at 7:00 p.m..
