Survey shows Colby just shy of percentage for grant
By Ben Schultz

Based on a preliminary survey, the city of Colby is just shy of the right percentage to help secure a Community Development Block Grant.
According to surveys the city sent out earlier this summer 50.8 percent of households fall in the low to moderate income brackets. The main criteria for the grant is to have 51 percent of households at the low to moderate income levels. The recent survey was conducted because the 2000 census showed the city near but below the 51 percent mark. Failing to meet that number doesn’t eliminate Colby’s chances for the grant, but it does make it much more difficult due to the large number of communities applying for it.
The grant, administered through the state Department of Commerce, would help cover utility costs for the STH 13 construction project and installing a new well.
Engineer Mike Voss said at an Aug. 5 city council meeting the preliminary survey results shouldn’t stop Colby. He will be consulting with Chuck Sulik, a team leader for community and city planning at MSA, to see about other options.
The survey had a 64 percent response rate. Voss said the other 36 percent of households might be questioned door-to-door if that is permissible or advisable.
“Do we have to go back to those nonrespondent people?” he said.
The survey also showed 54 percent of Marathon County residents in Colby were at low to moderate income levels. Voss said a weighted average of the counties might push the results in Colby’s favor. There’s also the possibility of simply being able to round up .2 of a percent.

Other business
• The Colby city council authorized Vigg and Associates to study water rates and possibly increasing them. The last rate increase for the city was in 1989.
• The board approved a conditional permit for a kennel license for Brian and Lori Rennie. The Rennies will be able to house as many as seven dogs. Without a permit, two is the maximum amount.
• The board approved a request from Smazal’s Hunter’s Choice to hold a street dance.
• Lighting in city hall will be replaced. The board authorized using $5,600 in contingency funds for the project.
• The council voted to allow public employees to join the state’s deferred compensation plan.
• The council approved a picnic license for St. Mary’s Fall Festival.
• The parks committee will meet Aug. 18 at p.m. and the water and sewer committee will meet Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.