KIMBALL -- After mild debate, the city council unanimously approved to move forward with a rehabilitation project of the water tank estimated to cost $431,000. 

The last time the water tank had a refurbishment was in 1996, said City Administrator Annette Brower.  

“We have had regular maintenance happening up until now ... We're at the point now it needs a full refurbishment,” she said. “We are blessed that we’ve gone 30 years without a full refurbishing; the average is 10-15 years.” 

The Board of Public Works does not have a finalized funding plan yet; however, BPW chair Jim Sederberg said it is in the works and should be finalized within the next month. 

Council Member Austin Garner pushed back on approving before having the plan set out, but the individuals with BPW and the contracting company, Maguire, emphasized the importance of moving forward before the slots fill up for springtime of next year.

Jake Duggar with Maguire said approving the project sooner would give Kimball a better chance at getting on the schedule for the timeframe that is the easiest on the system and most convenient for the town, which would be in April or May. 

Water Superintendent Creg Aragon said the water tank does have a system set in place for the water to go on-demand so the town will not be without water, but it does come with restrictions. 

“The July-September range, we will use up to 20 million gallons of water a month,” Aragon said. “We want to have everything back online before everyone wants to start watering their yards.” 

Brower pointed out that the city did receive a second bid that was close to $700,000 and required the payment up-front rather than on a 4-year payment plan.

Aragon said, “Yes, this is a huge financial decision, but you also need to look at the health of the town; our job is to make sure you all have safe and good drinking water.” 

In response to hesitancy about the financial plan not being set, Mayor John Morrison said, “This project needs to happen no matter what, it needs to be done, and the BPW will come up with the best plan that they can come up with, and I have full faith in that.”