Town council takes first look at budget

Tuesday evening, the Thermopolis Town Council reviewed the budget for 2016-17. No motion was made to approve the budget at this time, as it was noted information regarding depreciation was currently not part of the document. The Council is expected to approve a first reading of the budget at their May 17 meeting.

According to the information presented last night, there is:

•$101,250 for Legislative/Executive

•$181,600 for Clerk/Treasurer

•$10,800 for Judge

•$58,200 for Law

•$85,900 for Town Hall

•$752,050 for Police

•265,235 for Dispatch Department

•$61,000 for Corrections

•$32,175 for Codes Administration

•84,800 for Fire Department

•$630,686 for One Percent Sales Tax Projects

•$583, 400 for Streets and Alleys

•$35,350 for Parks

•$38,480 for Animal Control

•$227,540 for Other General Accounts

Also during the meeting, Park Superintendent Kevin Skates spoke about issues facing the big spring. He noted that a sign at the spring states it was at 3.6 million gallons a day, but is currently at abut 2.2 million gallons per day.

Water is provided to the three pools, both hotels get a portion and the rest goes over the terraces. Skates noted it’s mandated that so much can be used for recreation and so much has to go into the river.

State Engineer Dave Deutz noted five factors that are causing the decline: lack of recharge due to long-term drought, shifting of the recharge area, migration of flow away from the big spring vent, drilling of oil and gas wells within the aquifer area resulting in removal of production water and the fact that there are 10 other permitted wells drawing from the same aquifer.

Deutz noted the reduction of water from the big spring could make supporting the current number of concessionaires impossible.

Mayor Mortimore questioned why the State, having senior water rights, is not limiting the wells drawing from the aquifer. Deutz explained it would take legal action of an interference claim. That, in turn, would lead to a study to determine if the wells are interfering with the spring and a resolution could be created to address the issue. He later pointed out closing the wells would not necessarily mean increased water at the spring; it could simply go out another vent into the river.

Skates noted there has been some mention of all the pools going to freshwater; rather, he said, it would be a combination of using mineral water for soaking and freshwater for recreational pools. Kids playing in the pools would likely not mind, and the cooler water might be more comfortable, he said.

“We’re not trying to get rid of mineral water,” Skates said. “That’s our bread and butter, and that’s what we’re known for.” However, contingency plans must also be considered, should the spring continue to decline.

Al Braaten with Hot Springs County Counseling Services, noted May is Mental Health Awareness Month. He presented a resolution, signed by Council members, proclaiming the same and encouraging.

Braaten noted quite some time can pass from the time mental illness set in until a person seeks help. He pointed out early identification can improve success of medication and treatment, and mental health and overall health go hand-in-hand.

One in five adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year, and one in 17 live with mental disorders such as chronic depression or schizophrenia.

Braaten also presented green ribbons to Council members, to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, and palm stickers stating “Stop the Stigma” is part of the campaign about mental health, as that stigma can often keep people from seeking help. Braaten was further granted permission to place a sign with the “Stop the Stigma” logo on the Town Hall lawn.

Amy Longwell was approved to start providing horse-drawn carriage rides. She has been working with the Historical Society and the Parks Department, and the rides will be largely in Hot Springs State Park, but also could go to the historical downtown and some of the roads in the buffalo pasture. She is also working to get some historical facts that she can share with people on the tours, and hopes to bring back some of the ambience of the town.

Longwell noted she does carry insurance, and would be responsible for cleanup. Should she give tours in the evening, she plans to have lights on the carriage.

Town Engineer Heath Overfield reported the exterior sandblasting of the Cedar Ridge tank has begun, and the weather has been dry enough for work to continue on the water treatment project.

Council approved a $375 bid from Big Timber Tree and Landscape to cut down the two pine trees on either side of the downtown flagpole.

Though efforts were made to save the trees, it was determined they are too far gone and needed cut down.