VOTERS OK WATER SYSTEM REPAIRS

Scott City will proceed with much-needed water system improvements after residents overwhelmingly approved the city's issuance of $2.24 million in bonds.

Final tallies from the Scott County clerk's office indicated 1,259 voted for the bond issue; 389 voted against it.

The bond revenue will help pay for a new water treatment plant and replace inadequate water lines.

The city's water system has numerous problems, including undersized water mains, many of which are old and fragile, an inadequate backup water supply source and water wells that are unable to handle times of peak water demand.

Without the improvements, city officials said, residents could be subjected to more boil water orders, low water pressure, water shutoffs during repairs, dirty water or no water at all.

Scott City Public Works Director Jack Rasnic said, "The council and the mayor have some big decisions to make on improvements for the water system. I think it will be a good thing. These improvements were needed about 10 years ago."