by Sharon Michaels
BALLANTINE – The Huntley Project Irrigation District is in good shape financially thanks to the leadership of now-resigning president Dale Bilyeu. This was the general consensus of the board after hearing Secretary Liz Freeman’s budget report.
Board members thanked Dale for his leadership on the board and in the shop. Bilyeu was also the acting manager for over three years, which saved the district a manager’s salary.
Bilyeu has served on the board for eight years. “I have enjoyed my years on the board and the experience as acting manager has been a good learning experience,” Bilyeu said. “No one learns all at once, but I have learned more about our system.”
“We do need a full time manager to communicate with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Natural Resources to keep up on all the latest developments,” said Bilyeu.
Recently hired manager Mel Brozek of Ainsworth, Neb., quit effective March 14. Brozek was hired in October and had 22 years experience.
Freeman reported the district was $34,000 under budget, not counting the operation and equipment accounts they haven’t used.
RDO Equipment Company territory manager Chuck Gams met with the Huntley Project Irrigation board on Wednesday, March 12, with estimates on the rental or purchase of a new or used loader. Because the district’s 1968 Cat loader with over 10,000 hours needs an estimated $20,000 transmission repair, the board is looking for a used or new loader.
After discussing the estimates, the board decided to postpone the decision because board members Dan Vogel and Russell Becker were unable to attend the meeting. A decision will be reached at the board’s next meeting on Thursday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Water user Nick Lindeen asked the board for a right-of-way on Fly Creek to cross the canal to build a house. After discussing the situation, the board recommended a 48-inch squash pipe and the canal has to be dug out to grade. The board told Lindeen, for final approval, grade had to be completed.
The board agreed to get rid of the three-phase electrical system they now have at the shop and go with a single phase. Because of the electricity increase, they also opted for one meter instead of the three they have now. The board all agreed this would be a considerable savings to the district.
