Keith Batchelor reported to Auburn City Council at the May meeting that the changeover for receipt of treated water from Logan Todd Regional Water Commission (LTRWC) went smoothly and as expected. He noted that customers received the first bills reflecting the new rates, effective at changeover, last week.

Batchelor, who is financial administrator of CIMA, which is in charge of Auburn water and wastewater, reminded the council that the surcharges imposed on Auburn customers would be deleted from billing effective June 30. The 50 cents/1000 gallons for water and 75 cents/gallons wastewater charges were inaugurated last year to offset costs involved in bringing the plants into state compliance.

Batchelor also noted that of all the LTRWC entities, Auburn's rates were not the highest. Auburn's rates were "comparable across the county."

"After the surcharges drop off the bill, Auburn will hit the mid-range of the cities and rural water districts of Logan County," he said.

Stumpy Pendleton of CIMA said that some low water pressure issues are still being addressed. Valves on Main Street were opened to route through East Logan Water District. This alleviated the low-pressure problem to that area. City customers receiving water through East Logan's main will be billed at city rates.

Pendleton added that there are still some pressure problems on Peterson Ave. He said that he and CIMA engineers are investigating and have tentative plans to resolve the problem.

Wastewater treatment plant uses a large volume of treated water in its processing operations "(CIMA) is trying to reduce that unbilled water amount by trying to identify how to reduce the volume," Batchelor said. "Since Auburn is billed by LTRWC for all treated water that enters the city's main, it is essential to identify alternate sources or methods to reduce the amount of potable water used at the wastewater plant."

Batchelor also announced that the sewer tap-on ban might be lifted. The ban limits the city to tying in only single-family homes to the system. State Department of Water officials are due to inspect the plant next month. They will note where the plant stands, reviewing the progress made in addressing mandates in the Agreed Order between Auburn and the state. These findings may allow the city to accept large business and industrial customers.

In other CIMA business, Pendleton announced that the water plant was officially closed April 9. Batchelor said that CIMA is investigating different options for the plant and its capital assets. No decision has been made regarding disposition of the assets.

Other council business centered on housing in the city. Habitat for Humanity has begun construction on two dwellings located on Stewart Ave. Groundbreaking was held last month and construction is well under way. Volunteers in the community build these houses. The council urges everyone in the area to volunteer and give as much me as you can to finish these homes.

One completed house in Wrenwood is ready for owner occupation. The original five homeowners, in the subdivision's first phase, were given a $25,000 contribution from Kentucky Housing Authority in addition to low-interest loans.

Spokesmen from the Authority say that they are unable to offer more than a very small contribution to potential homeowners in the second phase of the project. Mayor Dewey Roche said that an official letter stating the exact amount of the contribution has not yet been received.

R.V. Woodward's property on S. Lincoln St. has been platted into five lots. The subdivision plans will go to the City-County Zoning Commission for initial approval later this month. Following their acceptance, the plans will go to the Auburn commission for final approval.

n Auburn's tourism commission announced its home and business beautification program. The contest offers three prizes in each category. In addition, there will be a most overall improved prize in the residential category. Applicants for the most improved prize are asked to submit a before-and-after photograph along with their entry form.

Final judging will take place June 21-23 with applicant submission deadline of June 2.

Commission member Roger Hollins said that he hopes the competition will be 'contagious.' "If one guy cleans and spruces up his yard, then his neighbor might be induced to do the same, and so on and so on. Then before you know it, the whole town is beautified," he said. "The benefit to all the residents of Auburn is a clean, attractive area to live in."

He also noted that several area businesses and homeowners are well underway in their beautification projects. "(The commission) wants to get everybody geared up and excited about the project. The contest just makes it more fun."

Hollins said that the judges are all members of the Franklin Lawn and Garden Club, non-Auburn residents.