The Rowan City Council approved a $20,000 loan Monday night to cover emergency water infrastructure repairs following a frozen water tower and multiple water main breaks.
City officials say the tower repairs are complete and testing was expected to begin today, with the goal of lifting the boil order once results are received. However, insurance will not cover underground water main/line breaks, leaving the city responsible for more than $13,000 in repair costs, plus a $750 deductible. The loan will be paid over four years, and the council is considering a temporary surcharge on water bills to cover the debt.
The council also approved the Rowan Fire Department’s 2026 budget and reappointed Mark Bruns as fire chief for another year. Fire officials outlined plans to upgrade gear, radios and firefighting equipment.
In other business, the council moved to amend the city’s chicken ordinance to allow up to 25 chickens, permit egg sales, and ease feed storage restrictions, and set March public hearings for the fiscal year 2027 property tax levy and full city budget.
