One voice still not being heard by county, cities
Staff reporter
Water issues were discussed Monday afternoon when officials were invited to the Marion County Commission meeting.
Following discussions about a water quality board, commission chairman Dan Holub confronted Hillsboro City Administrator Steve Garrett about Hillsboro's stance in not participating with the county in the WRAPS grant to conduct a feasibility study.
"We (Marion Reservoir) can't compete with other reservoirs for federal money," Holub said. "We need political support. My concern is speaking with one voice and we're going two different directions again."
Holub referred to a letter from Hillsboro Mayor Delores Dalke that stated there was no proper discussion at previous meetings.
"This concerns me," Holub said. "Now we're at odds again. I thought we were headed a specific direction."
Holub also indicated that Hillsboro was considering partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers instead of the WRAPS program (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies) and the county in conducting the study to determine the best way to counteract sediment and blue-green algae issues.
Garrett said the city had signed a letter of intent but the city wanted the same thing as the county.
"Before decisions are made, we have to pick a direction," Holub said.
"We've gone on record that we want to solve the problem," Garrett said.
"It's crucial for us to speak with one voice to receive congressional support," Holub reiterated.
"Hillsboro doesn't think stakeholders always get heard," Garrett said.
WRAPS administrator Peggy Blackman said that all cities and other stakeholders have been included in discussions.
Peabody city administrator Jeff Benbrooks asked Blackman for written confirmation from the Corps that the Corps will accept data from the study. Blackman responded she would make the request.
The resolution indicated the board would be comprised of nine members — one from Marion County; one each from the cities of Marion, Hillsboro, and Peabody; a representative of Marion County Improvement District #2; a recreational user; an irrigation user; and two members with agricultural interests.
Board members would not have term limitations, the county commission representative would serve as chairman, and bylaws would be established by the members.
The board would serve in an advisory capacity and could consult other agencies for input and research.
The commission will review the revisions to the resolution at Thursday's commission meeting and consider adopting it. Appointments would be made at the Oct. 2 meeting.
