Winlock officials stumped by costly water leakage

Sally Vogel requested and received funds for the 13th Annual Winlock Pickers Fest, taking place July 12-14 at Winolequa Park, during the June 24 Winlock City Council meeting.

However, last Monday's City Council meeting was largely a retrospective analysis of actions undertaken within the past two months to identify new leaks in the city’s water supply system. Large breaks leading to significant water losses had been identified during the previous meeting by Sewer/Water Superintendent Dennis Baker, who asked the council where funding was going to come from for the repairs, as his current budget is struggling.

At the June 24 meeting, Baker was questioned by Council Member Dennis Korpi as to potential funding sources and anticipated repair costs.

"Where is the money (for the exploration) coming from?" he asked/ "How much is it going to cost?"

While no definitive figure could be offered, when pressed for an answer, Baker estimated about $3,000.

Korpi said the approximately $5,000 spent from Baker's department coffers on the First St. project earlier this year "could have been put to addressing this leak."

When asked, Mayor Glen Cook responded the search for funding sources begun more than a year ago has turned up no results yet.

Korpi asked Baker his plans for funding the latest leak issue, stating the Council would not back the request (for more money), and wondered aloud whether Cook would authorize reimbursement from a private donation made last year to Winlock, intended for preliminary work on the First Street project.

Following a nod of confirmation from the Mayor, Korpi responded, "Why didn't this happen sooner?"

Cook replied, "It seemed appropriate at the time."

The next council meeting will be July 8 at 7:15 p.m. in City Hall. Those with questions or in need of accommodations may call (360) 785-3811.