Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
TEN SLEEP – The Ten Sleep Town Council held a special meeting Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at town hall, to review the town’s sewage rates and outline a few minor projects before their regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m.
In order to qualify for a sewage improvement loan from the United States Department of Agriculture, the town must first prove that the sewage system is self-sustainable under current rates. According the council, at the current rate of $21 for residential property, the system is not self-sustainable.
In response, the council is proposing a 9.4 percent increase to the current rate, to a total of $23 per month for residential use and maintenance, with a $2.40 increase to business rates. The first reading of the rate change would occur at the next immediate meeting, with implementation by September. The USDA loan, when acquired, would go toward finishing a major sewage project on Cottonwood Street, along with upgrades to the town’s sewer lagoon and infrastructure.
On the subject of water, the council discussed a water main leak at the Ten Sleep Rodeo Grounds, affecting the neighboring high school football field, causing erosion and mud holes. As the rodeo property is owned by the Ten Sleep Rodeo Association, the town has no jurisdiction to fix the leak, and agreed to recommend the Association have the water line replaced as soon as possible.
The council briefly discussed the topic of amending the ordinance restricting raising chickens in town limits, as requested by resident and student Jacob Holiday at the June council meeting. It was noted that Holiday has been approached by town residents regarding his request, and that the topic was being heavily debated among residents.
Councilmember Connie Sweeney presented a list of topics to consider before amending the current law, including property size restrictions, cleanliness, license requirements, the possibility of predators, and other factors. The council agreed to heavily research the subject, and that it would take a considerable amount of time before a responsible decision could be made, also allowing time for public comment.