The task force currently assessing the city’s water utility is about four weeks away from delivering its final report. Salem Councilman Roger Pennington updated the Board of Public Works and Safety and the Common Council on the task force’s progress during the Monday, July 8, meetings.
Pennington said the task force has met weekly during the past eight weeks. In addition to interviewing water utility employees, the task force has conducted site visits of other utilities. On Wednesday, July 9, the task force was scheduled to tour Scottsburg’s water utility.
During its April 9 meeting, the Council unanimously approved the formation of the task force, which Pennington proposed and dubbed “Task Force Clean Water.” The task force has been reviewing the utility’s personnel and their duties; infrastructure; water production costs; and rates.
Pennington’s aim with the task force is to restore public confidence in the utility. The task force is comprised of two council members and three community members.
The task force’s role is advisory only: it will be left to the city’s elected officials to make any changes based on their recommendations.
