Mobile home park questions sewer bills

The owner of a trailer court in McCook approached the City Council during the Citizens Forum about sewer bills he received this winter.

Claude Cappel spoke to the council about of the problem he has had with high sewer rates at the West Q trailer court, citing sewer bills 40 percent higher than his water during the winter months.

"People are hollering, but all I can do is pass on the costs," he explained, and asked if each residence could have their own meter instead of just the one they are using.

Cappel said he was told the current metering system was in place because of a city ordinance.

Later, during Council Comments, Councilman Kircher asked city staff if they would look into this issue, to see if something could be worked out.

Council members also approved the proclamation designating June 6 as "National Hunger Awareness Day," with Councilman Kenny expressing surprise at the 30 percent poverty rate in Red Willow County.

Barb Ostrum, of Community Action Partner-ship of Mid-Nebraska, said that national government guidelines puts the poverty rate at $1,666 for a family of four. Although the cost of living in

Red Willow County is less, poverty in this area is still very real, she said.

Dan Smith of the D.A. Davidson bonding company also addressed the council briefly, and said at their Tuesday meeting they would be discussing a timetable regarding a special election.

The measure to use D.A. Davidson as the bonding agent for the city concerning the proposed joint public safety center/jail passed unanimously.