Lula council member resigns; city hoping to lower debt on wastewater treatment plant

LULA - Lula city officials are looking at paying down the principal on the new wastewater treatment plant and, thus, reducing the debt on the facility by almost one-half.

City Manager Dennis Bergin says that would amount to a savings of more than $375,000 in interest. "This is a big deal," he added. "How often in this economy do you hear of a city paying down debt?"

The city council discussed the possibility at a work session Monday night.

Also at the meeting, councilman Norm Harrop tendered his resignation effective March 31. At the next regular meeting, Feb. 17, the council will call for a special election and establish the qualifying period and election date to fill Harrop's unexpired term.

Bergin said Wednesday morning the city's understanding is that Harrop's family will be relocating to another part of the country. Harrop also currently serves as president of the Lula Historical Society, and has been instrumental, Bergin said, in assisting the city with Veterans Day and Memorial Day activities, among other things.

Bergin added that Lula City Hall is open today and will be monitoring weather conditions prior to suspending any services for the day.