DELTA TURNS DOWN WATER PROPOSALS

DELTA -- Three ballot questions aimed at improving the city's water delivery system were defeated Tuesday by Delta voters.

The voters turned thumbs down on $380,000 in bonds that would have been used to finance construction of a new water tower, drilling of a new well and upgrading of some of the city's water lines.

The vote on $190,000 in revenue bonds was 74 yes and 100 no. The second question, approval of another $190,000 in general obligation bonds, drew 65 yes votes and 88 no votes.

The third question, a half-cent sales tax boost that would have paid for the general obligation bonds, received 68 yes votes and 93 no votes.

Both the revenue bonds and the sales tax required a simple majority for passage. The general obligation bonds needed four-sevenths of the vote for passage.

Approval of the bond issues would not have raised water and sewer fees in the city. The revenue bonds would have replaced another set of revenue bonds that almost have been retired.

The city went to voters after failing for four straight years to acquire a federal community block grant to pay for the improvements.

Alderman Woody Rooker was disappointed in the outcome, but said, "At least this way we know what people in the community feel."

He said voters know the improvements are needed but can't afford to pay for them. "They've got their belt tightened as tight as it will get right now," Rooker said.

Delta's 450 residents currently are served by an aging single water tower that holds only 50,000 gallons a one-day supply.

Officials are worried that a large fire or a breakdown in the system would leave the city in a precarious situation.

The city wants to drill a 100-foot well to supply a new 50,000-gallon water tower, giving it a tandem operation.

Officials say the city's existing water treatment plant could handle the increased water supply.

The bonds also would have enabled the city to replace some water lines and extend fire hydrants on several streets.

Mayor Paul Evans said he was reluctant to put the issue to a vote this year, preferring to try for the federal grant again. "People just don't like taxes," he said. "...I'm going after that grant."

Rooker said the vote will help motivate the city to pursue the block grant even harder. "You just don't give up when you know something needs to be done," he said.