By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Tom and Karen Spotten think that the options presented in
letter-form to them in behalf of Mona City have no good
options and that the city could do better.
Since 1976, said Karen Spotten, who acted as spokesperson
for the couple, more than $5,000 had been paid by the
Spottens to receive non potable water. This should, she
said, be enough for the city to keep furnishing water. That
way, the city and the Spotten family will have water.
"I don't know how many of you have read the letter the
attorney for Mona City sent us,"said Spotten. "I don't like
your attorney and I don't know if he understands the
implications of his letter. I don't think many of things he
said are creditable."
Bryce Lynn, mayor, said he was unwilling to open the
meeting for discussion but would advise taking some time to
do research. "We are trying to comply with drinking water
board standards for the state.
Nevertheless, the council would take Spotten's
suggestions in hand and would discuss the issues.
She and Tom, she said, had done quite a lot of research
and, in addition, had talked to other people who had also
received the letter.
"We have several issues that we are uncomfortable about,"
she said. "One of those is that the Department of Health
requires 25,000 gallons of water per household, while Mona
provides 20,000 gallons of culinary water per household,"
she said.
Spotten said she read in the paper that Mona City Council
was considering a proposal for residents to give Mona City
one-and-a-half acre feet of water which makes,
approximately, 42,400 gallons per month. That much water
would provide enough for two homes.
It was also her understanding, she said, that Mona City
could not charge for un-potable water. The couple has been
prepaying into an account for water, as they had done for
many years, but now found that their account is still be
charged against for the cost of water.
"Tom hooked up to Mona water in the summer of 1976," she
said. "We have a water meter and have continuously paid the
water bill and we have not broken the contract with Mona
City."
When Tom Spotten hooked to Mona water in the summer of
1976, Spotten said, it was for culinary purposes. In 1979, a
well permit was applied for so part of his property could be
sold.
"He always intended to use Mona's culinary water for our
home," she said.
However, the letter from Mona City's attorney said that
the Spotten home must either provide water from a well for
personal use or must give water to Mona City.
"We will be cut off from Mona water," she said. "If this
happens, our home will be non-inhabitable and will be
condemned by the health department. Mona City will then be
responsible for this action."
"We can put a purifier on our line, but we want a
solution," said Spotten.
She said the city needs to negotiate with them and knows
a workable agreement can be reached.
Lynn said the council would discuss the problem and
consider alternative solutions.
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