META — Meta officials are searching for hidden leaks after 616,636 of the 1,050,015 gallons of water pumped through the city’s system in June went unaccounted for, resulting in a 59% loss.

City Clerk Deidra Buechter said there were no obvious leaks producing wet areas, or water rising to the surface around town. However, two possible trouble spots on the hill between the water tower and the first valve have been identified.

Buechter’s monthly water-loss report presented during the July 9 meeting showed the city sold 330,177 gallons during the month, while 50,000 gallons were attributed to flushing.

Local contractor Rueben Wieberg, who assists the city with its water system, is expected to examine those areas and help determine whether underground leaks are responsible for the unusually high loss.

The June figure was substantially higher than the 42% loss reported for May, when the city pumped 596,981 gallons and accounted for 348,116 gallons.

In related news, aldermen also addressed the proper procedure for shutting off water when a customer discovers a leak.

City officials emphasized that residents and contractors should contact City Hall rather than attempting to operate the city’s corp stops themselves. The city will send someone to shut off the water when requested.

The issue arose after a contractor used the city’s equipment to shut off the city’s meter during repair of a private water leak despite written and verbal instructions that city personnel were to handle the shutoff.

“I don’t understand why people can’t get that through their heads,” Alderman Otto Wankum said. “We’ll come turn it off any time for you. All they’ve got to do is pick up the phone and ask.”

Aldermen agreed that the city must retain control of its equipment because improper operation could lead to damages and leave the city responsible for costly repairs.

In other business, the board also continued evaluating possible improvements to the city’s well house.

Buechter presented information from Bartlett & West outlining two ways the project could proceed. The city could use the traditional process, under which the engineering firm would design the improvements before the project was advertised for bids, or it could consider a design-build arrangement.

Under the traditional approach, engineering services were estimated at $47,818.

Buechter said Bartlett & West previously used a design-build approach for Meta’s sodium hypochlorite pump and injection-point project. Under that method, the firm would coordinate both the design and construction rather than the city separately completing the engineering and bidding processes.

Bartlett & West Project Manager Blake Wilbers indicated the firm would need to consult its construction group before providing a total design-build cost. Funding requirements could also affect which option is available to the city.

• The city is considering rescheduling its postponed Fourth of July fireworks display for Labor Day weekend.

Buechter said she contacted the fireworks provider to determine which dates might be available and will report back to the board. The city’s Independence Day activities were postponed because of severe weather.

FINANCIAL NEWS

• The monthly financial report showed income/deposits of $27,511.73 and debits of $14,286.34 for a balance on hand as of June 30 totaling $674,652.49; the money market balance was $144,050.52, the CDBG balance was $114,829.12, and two certificates of deposit totaled $175,435.42, giving the city a total of $1,108,967.55 in all accounts.

• The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Remaining business will be presented next week.