To the editor:

First, I would like to request that you deny the proposed splash pad.

Second, I will tell you why.

1) Ongoing cost and water usage.

I have experienced two pin point water leaks at my residence. The first in November 2020 and the second in October of this year. The total to repair the leaks and access sites (I don’t have a basement) was $4,226.97. With that in mind, I know what an extra unit or two of water costs. So, to be honest, I don’t need or want to pay a portion of the water used by the splash pad that will be used by a limited number of people.

2) Water conservation and cost

At a time that we are not receiving our “normal” rainfall, how do we justify using 5 million gallons of water that literally “go down the drain” to benefit a very small number of people in our community? We’re already seeing sewer cost increases to replace the waste water treatment plant in our monthly bills. Those cost increases will be ongoing for a number of years before the new plant is constructed and operational.

3) We have more pressing issues to address in our community.

With the recent fire on Second Street, I feel we need to spend the money on higher priority projects that affect the business owners and residents of the community. We need to assist those business/building owners with some repairs. We can’t recruit new businesses if the buildings have structural issues. We also need to promote local ownership of the buildings.

Again, please vote NO on the splash pad project.

Ruth Shoars

Webster City