Letter to the Editor

Cape should stop giving away valves, hydrants

After reading the June 11 article "Budget study: Cape council says city needs to get handles on rising health insurance costs," I truly believe the Cape Girardeau City Council has not looked at all the ways to cut expenses.

Why does the city give water valves and fire hydrants free to contractors for subdivisions? The cost of the valves and hydrants as a set is approximately $1,000. When the city puts out bids for water-line extensions, the water valves and fire hydrants are included in the bid as cost.

If the tax-increment financing district is passed for Prestwick subdivision, the cost to the taxpayers will be at least $275,000 for water valves and fire hydrants. The cost of the above items should be amortized over the whole project as a cost to Prestwick.

I challenge the council to show the taxpayer's that giving free water valves and fire hydrants away to developers will save funds. This sweetheart ordinance on water valves and fire hydrants adopted in 1992 should be repealed.

JOHN R. HECKROTTE

Cape Girardeau