Roulette Township has landed a much sought after loan for the purchase of the privately owned Roulet Water Company. US Representative John Peterson announced September 9 that the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Agency approved the low interest 1.28 million dollar loan.

"The purchase of the Water Company by the Township

will keep the system under local control and is in the best interest of the

community," said Roulette Township Supervisor Robert Seymour.

The water company is being purchased from John Brown at a price of $650,000. The remainder of the loan will be used to make improvements to the ailing water system. Supervisors hope to bring a bring a new well online, as well as replace 2,000 feet of ancient cast iron pipe along North Street.

A joint media statement from all three supervisors stated that the extra funding will allow the township to have “a secure and modern water system.”

“The funds have already been granted and everything,” said Supervisor Bill Grandin, “but we just need to tie up some loose ends.”

Some of those loose ends were discussed at Monday’s supervisors meeting. The Roulet Water Company is currently in litigation, and dealing with PUC complaints from several Roulette residents. The complaints and litigation has slowed down the process.

Supervisors had hope to get the funding in June, and now, the funding is expected to come in by October 1^st, but at Monday’s meeting, supervisors questioned that date as well.

One of the complaints against the water company was filed by fellow township Supervisor George Baker. Baker has said that it’s not that he stands against the water company purchase, but he has questioned the amount of surplus contained in the loan for improvements. Baker also has raised his eyebrows at the supervisors proposed operating budget for the water company, claiming the numbers just don’t add up.

A recent response from the water company to the PUC complaints filed against them call Baker into question, pointing out that he questions the operating budget, but supports seeking funding for the project. “Mr. Baker cannot have both,” said the statement from the Roulet Water Company.

Baker wanted to research a few things before commenting to the press about the purchase.

Some of the other complaints from Roulette citizens involve the possibility of a hike in water rates.

Supervisor Bill Grandin said, “We want to stay pretty much in the ballgame that we are in now,” though he said that if the rates raise, it could be around an average of $3 to $4.

               "I would like to applaud the Roulette Township Supervisors and staff for their efforts to improve this water

system and ensure a clean, reliable water supply for the citizens of

Roulette Township,” said Congressman Peterson, “I would also like to thank USDA Rural Development for

approving this financial assistance for Roulette Township, and for their

continued support of our rural communities."

A representative from Peterson’s office contacted the Township, asking if he could be notified of a take-over ceremony, so that the congressman could be present.