HAZARD – While presenting his monthly utility report to the city commission Monday evening, Hazard City Manager Carlos Combs informed the commissioners that the city’s water system still has issues with which officials need to address.

Combs’ pronouncement came only weeks following a severe water shortage across Perry County after two major line breaks – one near Gays Creek and one at Fourseam –helped to provide a one-two punch to the water supply of people throughout Perry County. Add sub freezing temperatures and a pesky intake problem at the treatment plant and there were all the ingredients needed for an emergency. And it came.

But that was January, and since then the water is back and everyone is being served. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done.

“We still have got a major problem with the water,” said Combs.

According to the report Combs presented on Monday, the City of Hazard’s water treatment plant produced more than 138 million gallons of water in February, with only 42 million gallons sold. That’s a difference of 96 million gallons, some of which was used for wastewater treatment or storage, but in all more than 66 million gallons of water were unaccounted for in February.

“We’ve got to figure out some of the things that are going on we’re not sure of,” Combs said, noting that he is not sure where the water is being lost.

But Combs did say City Engineer Hank Spaulding is chipping in with some help on the problem and plans are in place for additional metering of lines, which should help pinpoint line breaks in the future. Combs also noted that officials from Pikeville will be in town this week to consult on what issues the City may be having with its water system as well.

“They seem to think that maybe they can lead us in the right direction,” he said, adding that he’s also in contact with officials from American Water as well.

In other business, the commission voted to amend the City’s fiscal year budget to include the receipt of a $250,000 grant from the Community Development Block Grant Program. These funds will be used to help help pay for the water trunkline project currently ongoing in the city.

The commission also voted to promote Captain James East with the Hazard Police Department to the rank of Major. East joined the police department in 2005.