By Sara Strong
With the Freeman and Estey Street project done on time, having no problems to speak of, property owners being assessed the cost can expect to pay 40 percent less than first estimated.
The total street project came to $791,831, of which $462,000 will be assessed to affected properties.
At a public hearing Monday, the Luverne City Council opened chambers for public comment on the project and assessment. Two residents showed up.
Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes said the project is guaranteed for 20 years, and if it has to be redone before then, the cost won't be assessed to property owners living on the affected streets.
Property owners were notified of their specific assessments and have the opportunity to pay it at once with no interest rather than 10 yearly increments at 6 percent interest.
Resident Elzora Ott said she would like the council to reconsider its assessment policy before the next major street project. She said, "It's a burden. I think everyone should pay an assessment all over town."
The council had previously discussed that option. Council members were unsure how to fairly change the current system when so many property owners have been assessed in the past.
Lawn watering
The city has lifted its total watering ban, but a restriction is still in place because of low well levels from this summer's drought.
Residents are allowed to water lawns once a week, the night before their garbage is picked up. In other words, when people take out dumpsters for pickup, they can water that same night from 5 p.m. until 10 a.m. the next morning.
Wind power
The new River Winds program through the city electric utility has gotten attention from residents.
The new program allows customers to pay a small monthly fee to get a portion of their electricity from wind energy. So far in Luverne, 58 accounts have purchased 77 units of power.
The $2 per month per 100 kilowatt hours fee covers the city's own extra costs from wind power. The city is charged an additional $1.50 per 100 kilowatt hours (or 1 block) by provider Missouri River Energy.
The extra cost is charged to Luverne because wind power costs more to operate. The city will also use part of the $2 fees to market the green power, as required by the state.