Mayor clarifies power supply and shares key community updates

I want to apologize for the confusion created by my recent letter regarding data centers. My explanation of our power supply was not as clear as it should have been.

 The City of Weiser has a good working relationship with both Bonneville Power and Idaho Power. We currently have a contract with Bonneville Power for approximately 6.5 megawatts of electricity. Any power we use beyond that amount must be purchased on the open market. During the summer, especially when air-conditioning demand is high, we occasionally exceed our contracted amount. That additional cost is already reflected in your city utility bill.

 Because of our current power contract and the capacity of the Idaho Power substation, we do not have enough available power to support a large data-processing center at this time.

 If you have any questions, please call me or City Hall. Working together is the best way to preserve and enjoy the quality of life we have in Weiser, Washington County, and Idaho.

 As many of you already know, we are returning to one garbage pickup per week. A final decision has not been made about whether this change will become permanent. We remain one of the few communities that has offered twice-weekly garbage service.

 On Aug. 13, the Farmers Market will once again be held in Weiser City Park. Live music will return on Aug. 20, along with our great vendors. I hope you will come out, enjoy the evenings, and support our local businesses and community.

 After 28 years with the City of Weiser, Sherri Breaux is retiring this week. We will have an open house in her honor this Friday at City Hall from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. On Friday evening, we will also be honoring Sherri at Rolling Hills Golf Course, beginning at 6 p.m.

 Thank you, Sherri, for 28 years of dedicated service to our community!

 With fall sports beginning this week, I pray that we receive some relief from the smoke. Please keep our firefighters in your thoughts as they continue their difficult and dangerous work. We are also concerned for everyone whose jobs require them to spend long hours outdoors while the air quality remains poor.

 The chip-sealing project is also starting this week on East Galloway, East Commercial, East Park, and West 9th Street. The work will include crack sealing, sweeping, and the removal of vegetation and other growth from cracks in the streets. The project is expected to be completed the week of Aug. 24. We hope this work will extend the life of these streets for another 15 to 20 years.

 Please stay safe, check in on your neighbors, and continue looking out for one another. Together, we will get through this challenging time.