It may be in the City of Marion’s best interest to purchase a distribution line form a Westar Energy substation to the city.
City Administrator David Mayfield advised the city council of his findings at Monday’s meeting, indicating a past offer from Westar for the line was $26,000.
Currently the city is paying $800 per month for use of the 9/10th of a mile of electrical line. If the city did purchase the line, the local entity would be responsible for maintaining it.
Negotiations soon will begin with Westar Energy because the city’s electrical contract expires in July 2010. Mayfield said it takes about a year to complete negotiations. He continued that Westar might wait until the last minute to negotiate so the city would be forced to take what is offered.
Mayfield, public works director Harvey Sanders, and economic development director Doug Kjellin recently attended a meeting with KMEA (Kansas Municipal Energy Agency) regarding the Westar Energy contract. One option the city could consider would be obtaining electricity through a power pool. One issue that would need to be addressed would be obtaining transmission lines, which currently are owned by Westar Energy.
To become a power pool member, the city would have to get permission to utilize a transmission line, which requires a study. The city was told by KMEA a study could take up to two years to complete which is longer than the city has to negotiate a new contract.
Mayfield said he would present more information at the next council meeting.
The short agenda included an update from Chingawassa Days committee member Dave Crofoot. He reported there would be two nationally known bands with local bands opening for them.
The committee is working with local American Legion Riders and putting together a weekend tourism package for visitors that includes lodging, festival tickets, and meals.
The cost of buttons has increased from $20 to $25 because the group now has to pay sales tax on all button sales.
The next council meeting is at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the city building.