Byrdstown Takes Over Chanute Pall-Mall Utility District

Byrdstown’s utility take over of the Chanute Pall-Mall Utility District has been completed.

Mayor Sam Gibson said, for now, customers will be charged the same rate that Chanute Pall-Mall had been charging.

“Our goal is to get them in line with everybody else, get them all the same,” Gibson said. “But until we can get a grasp on everything and see and go through I am going to assume a one-year budget.”

Gibson said in order to bring the district to Byrdstown’s rate, the delinquent accounts must be addressed first. Gibson said the district has about 400 active meters with about $25,000 past due.

“It’s going to be tough,” Gibson said. “We are going to cut meters off, and I got family and friends and people that are up there. I’m going to seat down and give them every opportunity and try to talk to them and put them on pay scales.”

Gibson said the full transition for customers will be the 19th. Bills will then be paid to Byrdstown either by a drop box at the Chanute Pall-Mall office or by opting for automatic withdraws.

Water Plant Superintendent Buster Harmon said the water system’s is well below Byrdstown’s standards, which is based off state guidelines. Harmon said it will be a long process to find all the meters and lines and address areas in need. Gibson said he wants to look for future grant funding to complete a map of the system.