The Vian Board of Trustees voted to purchase less than one acre from Dr. Bill Bob Anderson for $15,000. The land was to be used for construction of a new water tower. The average real value of the site is about $500 per acre. It is on a hillside with scrub timber and plenty of strong boulders. An adjoining property owner offered to donate land near the same site.
The Vian community is dangerously close to being without water for a considerable time if the existing water tower is shut down for repairs and maintenance. The Vian Public Schools would have to close. The Vian Nursing Home could not function without water. All of the businesses in Vian that depend on water could not open for business. Landlords that depend on HUD rental assistance will not be able to qualify.
The original water tower located in downtown Vian has been out of service for some time. The Vian Board of Trustees would not spend the estimated $100,000 required to repair, clean and add a liner.
It is my opinion that Vian Mayor Jim Lewis is not providing the strong leadership required assuring the health and welfare of the Vian community. "We won't Miss the Water Until the Well Goes Dry."
Manuel Spencer
Vian
