Staff Writer

LOCKHART - To help keep children safe, Lockhart will fill in the basins at its old water filtration plant.

Lockhart Town Council voted unanimously Monday to fill in the basins with dirt and board up the windows at the plant at an estimated cost of $12,800. Mayor Robert “Greasy” Lawson said that while the property is fenced in, the possibility exists that children might find a way inside. Lawson said if that happened it's also possible a child might fall in the basins - which are 14-20 feet deep - and drown. He said filling in the basins with dirt will eliminate this potential hazard.

Lockhart closed the filtration plant 12 years ago and now gets its water from the City of Union through Brown's Creek Water District.

Budget

Council also voted unanimously to approve second and final reading of the 2008-2009 budget.

The budget projects $314,900 in revenues and $306,944 in expenditures leaving a balance of $7,956. The current budget projected $302,185 in revenues and $292,797 in expenditures leaving a balance of $9,388.

Lockhart does not levy a municipal property tax and gets the bulk of its revenue from water, sewer and garbage collection fees. The council increases its water and sewer fees only when Brown's Creek passes along rate increases by Union. The town's garbage collection will only be increased if the contractor, Lancaster Tree Service, has to raise its rates.

Mowing

Council also voted unanimously to hire Union-based Bryson's Lawn Care to mow grass and perform related services on town property for $770 a month. Under the terms of the agreement, Bryson's must mow town-owned property twice a month. The agreement is contingent on Bryson's providing the town with documentation that it is insured.

Surveying

Council also voted to have survey done of house at 283 Lockhart Drive prior to selling it. The town owns the house and is considering selling it.