Auxvasse Aldermen to examine details of bond issue tonight

Multi-phase upgrade project expected to cost $3-$5 million

January 3, 2012 at 6:00 a.m. | Updated January 3, 2012 at 6:00 a.m.

Apollo Septic Pumping and Backhoe Service prepares to dump sewage into one of Auxvasse's storage ponds at its lagoon east of Highway 54 Monday. The lagoon is one of many places the city plans to improve during a major overhaul to its water and sewer system.
Apollo Septic Pumping and Backhoe Service prepares to dump sewage into one of Auxvasse's storage ponds at its lagoon east of Highway 54 Monday. The lagoon is one of many places the city plans to improve during a major overhaul to its water and sewer system.

To finance a long-range water and sewer system overhaul, the Auxvasse Board of Aldermen have decided to go to the voters.

The city plans to put a bond issue on April's ballot, which, if passed, will help secure grant money for major infrastructure improvements estimated to cost $3-$5 million.

Members will meet at 6:30 tonight at City Hall to discuss the details of the bond issue and determine what exactly will go on April's ballot. One item the board plans to look at is how much grant money may be obtainable.

Alderman Terry Walker said the board wants to make sure as much federal money as possible goes toward the city for these improvements.

"I don't think any of us on the board expects for the city to pick up the whole tab when there are funds out there from the federal government," Walker said.

City Supervisor Justin Feger said it is "most definitely" time for an overhaul of the systems. He said many of the water and sewer lines are the original pipes - the water mains are cast iron and the sewer mains are clay tile. Feger explained that these old lines often break, and when a water line breaks, there's always the possibility of contamination.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.