Water Conservation Tips 

   Small changes can really make a difference when it comes to conserving water. Consider this: each of us uses an average of 100 gallons of water per day – enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses! Just think how much water you can conserve if your whole family becomes more water wary. Here are some easy ways:

• Cook Smart. Peel and clean vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under running water.
• Slow the Flow. Install a slow-flow faucet to reduce water consumption up to 50 percent.
• Read more...

Labette Co Courthouse No Longer Available as Public Shelter 

The Oswego Disaster Planning Committee determines public shelters for residents in an emergency situation. Recently it was determined that the Labette County Courthouse would no longer be used as a public shelter. The following two buildings are still currently available for use as a public shelter and are marked for you on the map in this newsletter.  Read More...

WATER RATE INCREASE FEBRUARY 2011

The March utility bills will reflect the third installment of the water rate increase that was passed in 2010. The fourth and final increase will be in July 2011. As the article in the March/April 2010 newsletter brought to light the Council elected to gradually increase rates over a two year period in order to reduce the impact of the rate increase. With the final increase in July the cost for an average residential unit which uses 5,000 gallons of water will have increased during the two year period from $50.43 per month to $58.02.

This water rate increase will also affect the amount required for a utility deposit. Currently the City requires new utility customers to have on file a $268 deposit on their account. In addition customers that have their water service disconnected due to non-payment are also required to put a $268 deposit on file. However, this rate will increase to $275 effective with March bills due to the increase. The rate for the deposit is calculated by adding together an average customers bill for three months. Please call the City Office at 620-795-4433 if you have any questions.

Read more in this newsletter.

SEVEN CANDIDATES FILE FOR MAYOR AND THREE OPEN CITY COUNCIL SEATS

Seven candidates met the deadline January 25, 2011 to file for Mayor and the three City Council seats that will be decided in the general election on April 5th, 2011. Tom Bringle, current Mayor will not be seeking another
term. Glenn Fischer, Council President and Bob Shields are the two candidates that have filed to fill this position. Five other candidates that have filed for the three open council seats are Dee Brown, William Gray, Larry Hawkins, Bill Owens and Darren Tynan.

City Council incumbents that have elected not to run again in the upcoming election are Dave Blankinship, Cindy Sanders and Ryan Willis. Please be sure to take the time to thank all these individuals for their years of service
to our community. If you haven’t registered to vote in the election, Monday, March 21, 2011 is the last day you will be able to register. You may also need to register If you have not voted in several years, have moved or are new to the community. You may register at either City Hall at 703 Fifth Street or at the Labette County Clerk’s office at the Courthouse. Read more in this newsletter

WEATHER PRESENTATION AT LCHS CAFETERIA, FEB 7

Meteorologist, Chance Hayes of the National Weather Service will be presenting “Storm Fury on the Plains” at the Labette County High School Cafeteria on February 7, 2011 at 6:30pm. Spring will be here before we know it along with our unpredictable and often dangerous spring weather. This presentation is free to the public and is designed to provide information to citizen’s when severe weather emergencies arise. Seating is available for 400. Read more in this newsletter