JEWELL- The first reading of an ordinance for an increase in water rates in Jewell was a part of this week’s meeting of the Jewell City Council. Water rates will increase by 15 percent from the current minimum usage bill of $52.53 to the new minimum bill of $59.43. Expenses continue to go up and repairs and maintenance must continue to occur. The increase will attempt to decrease the gap between the expenses the city has in the water and sewer departments. The first reading of the ordinance amendment will be on September 8th.
The Jewell City Council recapped the 2025 season of the outdoor pool which closed for the season a few weeks ago. Expenses for the pool this year were at $49,035.92. Revenue for 2025 was at $9,115.01. The average daily attendance was 38 patrons a day. Jewell pool manager Lori Vincent was at the council meeting to discuss things that went well or that needed improvement for next season.
An offer was made for the two empty lots on Park Street for $10,000 was approved by the council at this week’s meeting. Cody Robertson was appointed as a new member of the Jewell Fire and Rescue Department. A planting day was set for Saturday, September 13th at the flower bed at the Jewell City Park. Jewell Public Works Director Terry Anderson informed the council that the city will need a chlorine room door in the near future. The estimated cost for a new stainless-steel door will be around $4000,
Nomination papers are available now for the Jewell City Council election on November 4th. Jewell Mayor Mickey Walker, and council members Stacy Alsager, Aaron Boor and Jennifer Nobiling will be up for re-election this fall. The filing deadline is Thursday, September 18th at 5:00 p.m. The nomination papers are available at the Jewell City Hall.