By Sheila Corson
The Chronicle

     CONCONULLY – Residents offered their 2 cents' worth on the future of the fire ditch on Lottie Avenue at a workshop Feb. 23.
     Mayor Sam Martin said the city isn’t planning on changing its policy on the ditch, but it’s been years since it has been used for fires. Now, nearby residents use it for irrigation, free of charge.
     But the city still has maintenance costs. Usually it isn’t much, but the city had to replace culverts in the last couple years that amount to several hundred dollars. Soon, it will need to replace a valve.
     Other residents in the town pay for irrigation, so Martin said he wasn’t sure if it's fair to put an expense on the city for something others use for free.
     Dozens voiced their support for keeping the ditch, both for irrigation and historical purposes. The ditch has been there since the early days of Conconully, Martin said.
     The city doesn’t intend to abandon it, but just wanted to open discussion about who is paying for it, Martin said.
     There is no plan of action for the council at this time.