(Harlan) At Tuesday’s meeting, the Harlan City Council approved the recommended pay increases for the swimming pool staff and the installation of a water well at J.J. Jensen Park.
The City is preparing for another dry summer. Last month, Harlan Municipal Utilities announced the implementation of its’ Water Conservation Policy and Water Watch effective April 1 through September 30. The Policy focuses on limiting water usage as much as possible.
The City came up with a plan that would take some pressure off the City’s waters system with the construction of an irrigation well at the J.J. Jensen ballpark.
“Hindsight is 20-20, but this is something the city should have done 20-years ago,” said Harlan City Administrator. “The new well satisfies a short-term and long-term solution reducing demand on the City’s water supply.”
The well cost is $17,000 and the money would come from the capital savings account. City officials say the well is for watering fields only, not for use in the concession stand.
The Council also addressed staffing challenges at the City’s Swimming Pool. Harlan City Administrator Gene Gettys says the labor shortage affects all full-time or part-time sectors. He says staffing swimming polls is no exception and a problem across the state.
The City of Harlan paid $7.25 per hour two years ago and bumped it to $8.00 per hour this past summer. On Tuesday, the City Council approved an increase to $8.50 per hour and a reimbursement schedule.
