New coat, fresh look

Everly's water tower will be looking a little fresher later this year.

The city council on Monday approved a five-year maintenance agreement with Maguire Iron, Inc., of Sioux Falls, S.D., worth $129,750. The water tower's exterior and interior will receive new coats of paint this year, with future checkups and maintenance scheduled through 2026.

According to Maguire Iron rep Jake Dugger, the water tower's paint is starting to chip and a new coat is needed before things deteriorate further.

"It's just time to do a little TLC with the tower," he said.

The contract allows the $129,750 sum to be spread out over five fiscal years with the city paying $25,950 annually through 2025. The agreement also includes a sixth-year visual inspection in 2026 with a price tag of $10,708.

After the inside and outside are repainted this spring or summer, Maguire Iron will return each year to complete routine maintenance and a variety of other checkups. Dugger said the agreement allows the city to budget expenses instead of paying one lump sum upfront. He also said the agreement offers an insurance policy of sorts if issues arise with the paint job.

"If something comes up, there is no finger-pointing. It's our responsibility to take care of it," he explained. "This insures you get what you paid for."

The 100,000-gallon water tower was built in 2001 and still has its original paint job and sealcoating. Dugger noted it was important to complete the upgrades as soon as possible so the company didn't have to completely strip and repaint the exterior.

Microchipping of paint, as well as mold and mildew buildup, will be addressed with the new coat and sealant. The council unanimously approved the agreement.

"I think we need to get this done before it costs us more money," said Mayor Brad Behrens.