During a recent city council meeting, officials emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, particularly concerning water and sewage systems. Council members expressed frustration over the historical neglect of these issues, highlighting that failure to act now could lead to severe consequences for residents, especially those living south of Highway 73.

One council member passionately urged colleagues to recognize the gravity of the situation, stating, \"Everything that we do not address falls backwards. We don't go forward.\" This sentiment underscored the council's responsibility to make difficult decisions rather than postponing necessary actions. The discussion revealed a growing concern about the city's aging infrastructure, with citizens frequently reporting problems related to trash collection, sewage backups, and water meter issues.

The council acknowledged the financial burden on residents, particularly when discussing potential increases in water rates. One member noted that even a $5 increase could be significant for some families, yet emphasized that inaction would be a dereliction of duty. The need for a dedicated pipe bursting crew was highlighted as a critical step toward improving the city's sewage system, which has been a source of distress for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and low-income residents.

Council members agreed on the necessity of transparency with citizens about the state of the infrastructure and the potential risks of inaction. They called for a collective effort to address these pressing issues, stressing that the time for decisive action is now to prevent further deterioration of essential services.