Mayor Kevin Phares didn't hesitate when asked what his goals are for the city of Auxvasse in 2014, immediately noting the upcoming water improvement project as the No. 1 priority.
"Our major project is getting our water system going. We're getting the well put in first and then getting new water lines in," Phares said.
Phares said the multi-year project, at an estimated cost of $5 million, is necessary because the city currently only has one operational well. On the occasions that well goes down, Auxvasse is forced to rely on the Callaway Water District, and with aging water lines Phares said the city loses almost as much water to leaks as it pumps in from that outside source.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is requiring the city to make the necessary upgrades.
Phares said having newly-hired city manager Mike Bertschinger - who resigned his seat on the Auxvasse Board of Aldermen in December to take the position - will help ensure the water project proceeds as planned.