City amends water adjustment ordinance

Effective March 1, the Marble Hill Board of Aldermen will have the authority to deny a water/sewer adjustment if the request shows the customer was negligent.

Several customers had requested adjustments to their water bill for preventable actions, such as leaving a garden hose running overnight. The board members unanimously agreed Monday to cancel the existing ordinance and approve the new ordinance to make it clear that the city can deny payment of water adjustments if negligence is obvious.

Mayor Trey Wiginton mentioned an internet app to which customers can link in order to keep track of their daily water usage: https://EyeOnWater.com. He suggested customers call city hall if they need help hooking up to the app.

In other city business, Michael Beard of Marble Hill approached the board of aldermen about the possibility of reopening the airport. Beard said he is a pilot and retired from an organization that works to restore airports in small communities. He said he still volunteers with the organization, based in Minnesota, and is currently working on three airports.

Beard said he met with Stan Crader, Ed Crowley and the Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce about the economic benefits of having a working airport, and wants to form a committee that will have the authority to research the possibility.

"We're not asking for a budget," Beard said. "We're offering the professional talent and ability to ask questions."

Board members recalled the expense of running an airport compared to the few pilots who used it, but approved the request to form a committee and allow the group to begin its research.

Also, resident Eddie Cook asked if the city would de-annex some property from the city limits to accommodate his plans to build six or eight houses on property he wants to buy. City attorney Richard Whiffen said he has never before de-annexed property, but is willing to learn the process which he said no doubt will involve a public hearing.