KANOPOLIS — The contractor with the low bid agreed to hold the bid for an additional 30 days for the new water tower project, Kanopolis City Council members were told during the Nov. 14 meeting.

“I did not think we would get a 30-day extension from a contractor,” said Thaniel Monaco, head of environmental engineering and head of construction field services from BG Consultants.

He said his firm is rebidding several other projects that involve metal, and contractors indicated the price of steel continues to increase.

The cost of the proposed water tower for Kanopolis, which came in at nearly $1.2 million, was significantly higher than expected.

“You don’t have the info to make an informed decision, I realize that,” Monaco said. “If we can get some numbers, maybe we have a special meeting if we have something you feel comfortable to make that decision.”

Monaco is coordinating with Rural Development about a grant, and also exploring financing options. He estimates the city will need to borrow about $600,000 to complete the tower.

“I realize the public could freak out about spending this much money, but it would depend on financing,” Mayor Anthony Hopkins said. “I think long-term for the community, it’s stupid for us to not try to make this work.”

Council members discussed the option of repairing the town’s current water tower, but such repairs would be unlikely to extend the life of the existing tower past 40 years.

“You could just do it right and be done with it for 100 years,” Maintenance Supervisor Mike Bunch said.

Kanopolis residents were sent a survey, and City Clerk Deb Kralik said about 50 households responded. The majority of those willing to pay more on their monthly bill said they consider $6-$10 a month an acceptable increase, she said.

In other action, the council:

• Council Member Tom Wilkinson volunteered to be the Kanopolis champion for the Big Kansas Road Trip, which will be in May.

“The person acts as a liaison to see what Kanopolis has to offer, to make sure those are submitted,” said Stacie Schmidt, executive director of Grow Ellsworth County.

• Approved the removal of several culverts at the request of Angie Bunch at 109 W. 5th St.

She also asked about the old water meter. Bunch said his crew would take care of removing it.

• Discussed the public restrooms in the park. The insurance check is for a fraction of the bids.

“My thought is we submit these bids to the insurance company and make a case the adjustment is too low,” Hopkins said.

• Discussed the sewer ponds.

Bunch said one landowner wanted language added to the agreement.

Council approved the addition.

Bunch said the pond maintenance will be complete by Christmas.

“They’re waiting on that paperwork so they can schedule it,” he said.

• Approved a $75 donation to Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School’s after prom event.

• Approved an ordinance to increase solid waste fees, effective Jan. 1.

• Discussed heating the newly-constructed fire station.

Hopkins said he wants multiple bids on the project.

• Approved $370 for the recreation department for their Afternoon with Santa event.

• Approved granting the fourth grade class free use of the community center for its Thanksgiving feast Nov. 20.

The next regular meeting for the council will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at city hall.