USDA representatives Jana Brandt and Travis Zimmerman were at the most-recent meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen to discuss the options the city has to replace waterlines.

According to unofficial minutes from the meeting, Brandt explained the city is eligible for a grant of up to 45 percent. However, she said for the city to receive any grant money, the water rate for an average water bill of approximately 4,000 gallons has to be two percent of the median household income- which from the 2010 census is $44,583- meaning the average water charge will need to be $74.31. Zimmerman said the city can receive a local a loan and a grant.

Alderman Boyd Jones asked if the water rates have to be raised prior to the city applying for any grants. Brandt said “no, the rates would not have to go up until funding is finalized.” Jones also asked if there is a time frame for the work to be completed, if the city is approved for a grant and/or a loan. Zimmerman said that once the funds are obligated to the city, if the project is held up for some reason, the city will have time to finish it without losing the funding.

After some discussion, the conclusion was the city will have to get an engineer to proceed with the cost study.