Bob Foos
In the week after Carterville was under a boil order while a water main break was being repaired, City Administrator Jonathan Cook called for the City Council to either plan an aggressive renovation of its municipal system or consider selling it.
Cook, saying he has been trying to untangle a mess since he was appointed two years ago, addressed the council at the end of its regular meeting on Tuesday.
He said the public’s frustration with the seemingly lack of progress is understandable. But it’s unreasonable to think decades of deferred maintenance can be corrected quickly – especially with a public works department of four people and little economic growth.
If the city keeps its municipal water system, he said a realistic timeline to complete renovation would be 10 to 15 years.
He cited a continued public demand for outside ownership, while he has noticed an increase in vocal resistance and lack of trust in city ownership.
If the council finds a way to finance a faster the system renovation – and it doesn’t happen – he predicted public pressure to increase., he predicted public.
Cook said he believes that in the current shape of the economy, the city is now in the best position to seek outside ownership of the utility. But he cautioned the process must be transparent, with the public being informed throughout any negotiations.
On the other hand, he said that if the city stays on the same track, the system will continue to deteriorate.
So basically, he said the council:
• Needs a plan to vastly improve the system.
• Or evaluate any offers to buy the system.
“Anything in between is unsustainable.”
Dalyn Waite (2nd Ward) called Cook’s report a “wake-up call” to the council. He suggested exploring “every reasonable option” in a transparent manner with the public.
Mayor Alan Griffin called for the matter to be discussed during a work session on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
