The City of Lyons has approved the annexation of a piece of property owned by Southern Mark Industry, LLC, and to pay just over $107,000 to extend sewage to an industrial project on H.D. Wright Road. Even though McLendon Enterprises was not the low bidder for the sewer project, the local company was awarded the bid due to the time restraints and the need to have the project completed by June 1st. City Councilman Ivy Toole, who is employed by McLendon Enterprises, abstained for voting.
The facility will focus on the packaging of produce for distribution, and invest over $4 million into the community and provide 40 new employment opportunities.
Unrelated to the project, the City of Lyons is going on the water rates. A public hearing was held prior to Tuesday night’s meeting regarding the increase and while some city residents had expressed verbally their objection, no one presented anything in writing according to the City Manager. The most current water rates were set in 2015, and Hall says the city cannot continue to cover water and sewer operating costs based on needed maintenance and unfunded mandates required by state and federal governments.
A resolution approved Tuesday night also notes that the Council realizes the need to promote water conservation, and studies show the best way is to do that is through tiered water and sewer rates.
The new rates will become effective immediately and will remain in effect until 2024 unless amended by the City Council.