A spending decision on the money now available

Westminster leaders reached a preliminary decision on how to allocate their share of the city’s refund from the Joint Regional Sewer Authority. In a special meeting, the city council reserved about one-half of the $800 thousand dollars for what the city administrator described as a much needed contingency account. The rest is to be applied for water and sewer purposes, including $50 thousand toward underground electrical power for a new subdivision that has the potential of 122 homes at the city’s southwest edge. The home development is called Westminster Crossing. Last night’s vote was the first of two required votes, with second final reading to take place next week during the council’s regular December meeting. Two councilmen—Adams and Mefleh—questioned a $35 thousand purchase from the city of Seneca of a used sewer vacuum truck. Councilman Reid Adams warned his colleagues that buying used vehicles could wind up costing the city if there are break downs. But Mayor Brian Ramey said the used vehicle makes sense considering that buying a new one would require $400 thousand.