Moss money to be used for water system

Published 12:38 am Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Every dime the Town of River Falls receives from restitution payments from Richard Moss will go to the water system bond replacement fund.

More than three years ago, the Star-News uncovered the then-mayor’s sale of town hall property to Moss without council approval.

Moss

Moss

Moss pleaded guilty for his part in the crime in May and last month appeared in court for sentencing.

In all, Moss is required to pay back $105,609.82 as part of his plea deal, town officials said.

River Falls Mayor Patricia Gunter said they had received $26,251.

Gunter said it was her understanding that Moss must pay the entire restitution to the town within five years.

“I want to know what you think we need to do with the money,” Gunter said. “I think we should put it in the water system. I know it has suffered.”

It was discussed that the water system also needed a truck.

Council member Mattie Freeney said she thought it was a good idea.

“The water department is vital,” she said. “It’s the most important thing we have.”

Council member Richard Bowden agreed.

“Talking to people, that’s their biggest concerns,” he said.

The town is expected to have to pay an estimated $120,000 to paint the water tower.

Council member Gary Wages said he thought it had to be done by 2018.

Additionally, a motor associated with the water department is on year 11 of a 10-year motor.

Freeney said she’s rather take money out of the general fund to pay for the truck and place the funds from Moss in the replacement account.

“Then we won’t be in a bind if something happens,” she said.