Utilities commission members are stressing the need for proper use of safety equipment when digging trenches in the city.

Utilities Chairman Robert Crawford explained during a meeting on March 20, he wanted workers to better utilize safety equipment when on the job.

"I want to stress trench safety for utilities' workers," said Crawford. "The equipment is used to safeguard workers in the event of a collapse."

Utilities Superintendent Eddie Miller added the equipment, which is a 4x10 piece of steel, is very heavy, but they are in the process of purchasing new equipment that is lighter.

The equipment, a shoring box, will cost the city $6,700.99.

Utilities Foreman, Kevin Pharis was notified about enforcing better safety during trench work.

Pharis said the equipment the crew uses has been around since the 1970’s, and the new purchase will just be an updated version.

“The newer technology can be broken down and carried to where we will use it,” explained Pharis. “We are only required to use the box if the trench is over four feet deep.”

In other business:

The second quarter budget report showed city utilities with an overall income of about $802,000.

City Clerk and Treasurer Erin Embry explained overall everything looked pretty well on budget for the departments.

Revenue for the water department was 58 percent of the budget at just over $1 million dollars, and expenditures were at 49% with $830,000.

Sewer was about 54 percent, bringing in $900,000 for the second quarter, and 47 percent in expenditures with about $800,000.

Gas totals accumulated 30 percent of revenue budget totals with $1.7 million, and expenditures were at 24% with $1.3 million.

Embry explained that both sewer and gas were a lot lower than last year.

The gas deficiency was due to fluctuating gas prices, but sewer was up a little bit from last year.

Crawford recommended doing a rate analysis on the gas. He said both gas purchases and revenue usually lag over into the second and third quarter, but due to the new gas program for the city, purchases will be more level going forward.

Crawford added more discounts might go into effect later on for the program.

A contract for sewer improvements at the Grayson County High School was approved. Bell Engineering was named contractor for the project.

The April 3 meeting is canceled due to both Crawford and Utilities member Dwight Embry being out of town for a meeting.