City of Royal picks up $10,000 on sale of surplus cars

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Council made a decision at its meeting of July 19 that has gained the city $10,277 from the sale of two surplus vehicles.

The Council voted to sell to the highest bidders. It turned out to be a good deal for them too.

One 2008 Dodge Charger went to Jesus Ayala of Royal City for $5,277. Another 2008 Dodge Charger went to Nancy Stevens from elsewhere for $5,000.

According to City Finance Director Greg Pike, the value of each car was about $7,000.

In another move that could save the city lots of money, the Council decided to consider making city well No. 1 active again instead of drilling a new well.

Well No. 1 has constantly been in the news because of needed fixes to the pumping system. A decision still needs to be made whether to fix it or replace it.

Either way, the Council is wondering if it should reactivate the well instead of drilling one that is planned for about 10 years down the road.

“Cascading water is bringing nitrates into the well,” Pike said. “If we seal the well shaft to keep them out, then that well should be fine.”

In other news of finances, Pike said budgeted transfers from the General Fund were scheduled to be processed before August.

The major transfers include $15,000 that will be moved to the Capital Expenditure Reserve Fund to be held in reserve for the future purchase of patrol cars.

Pike noted that $35,000 will be transferred to the Street Construction Fund to be held in reserve for future street improvements. A transfer of $15,000 will be made to the Capital Expenditure Reserve Fund to make improvements to the old Grant County shop.

Other minor transfers include funds to be held in reserve for administrative equipment, library improvements and park improvements.

The Council learned that its attempt to keep a $225,000 grant from the Grant County Economic Development Council meant for the Camelia Street water main replacement project has been successful.

The grant was awarded last year to fund the project this year. But the city did not carry out the project because it did not receive the funding to carry out street improvements.

“We wanted the main replacement and the street improvements to be a combined project,” Pike said.

The Council approved a consent agenda that included the Council meeting minutes of July 5, a payroll of $21,568.69 and claims totaling $13,302.02.