Fremont officials discuss Eureka's debt
By Laura Collins
Published in News on July 23, 2010 1:46 PM
FREMONT -- Fremont Town Board members received an update this week on the steps the town of Eureka is taking to pay off its sewer debt.
Fremont Town Administrator Kerry McDuffie said Eureka paid $6,500 to the town this week and plans to pay another $23,000 at the end of the month.
Eureka owed Fremont $47,838 in sewer fees before the $23,000 payment -- and this past month's bill is factored in.
Fremont processes Eureka's sewer. Eureka has had problems for years with its antiquated sewer lines.
While Fremont aldermen said they were pleased with the progress, some were concerned the debt will increase again.
"Have they done anything to fix their sewer?" board member Leon Mooring asked. "Because if they don't get that problem corrected, that bill is going to go right back up."
Also at the meeting, the board approved towing junk vehicles at the owners' expense. Seventeen junk vehicle owners were notified through letters in the mail and notices on the windshield that the cars would be towed unless they were moved. Thirteen of the cars have been removed, but four still remain. The board agreed to send one more notice to the owners, and if the vehicles are not removed, to have them towed at the owners' expense.
The board also approved upgrading the Internet at Town Hall for an additional $21 each month and a one-time $100 installation fee. McDuffie said the Internet was running so slow it was slowing work at the office. The town will also spend $500 to connect the Public Works Department to the Fire Department.
"You're currently paying for two Internet services right now for two buildings that are 200 to 300 feet apart," McDuffie said. "By spending a little bit of money, we can actually reduce our monthly cost."
The board also approved an above ground burial for the first time at the Elmwood Cemetery. The mausoleum will only hold one casket and will be placed in the family plot. It is expected to be no larger than five feet across and ten feet long.