1. the city would be responsible for delivering the water to the company reservoir;

2. the city would deliver an adequate supply to the company, which would maintain service on its existing wells for emergencies;

3. the company would use only the city's supply of water except when necessary to maintain supply, and if needed the well at 21st Street could be used to keep water pressure at 35 pounds;

4. the company agreed to collect a surcharge of 15 percent of the water bill from all the city customers, and a 30 percent surcharge for all non-city resident customers, except for hydrants and main lines to industrial establishments, which would be turned over to the city;

5. all of the books and accounts of the company would be subject to inspection by city officials;

6. the Water Company would pay $615 a month from the day of operation until September 1, 1941, for the savings in having the city produce the water;

7. the contract would terminate August 31, 1941;

8. each of the parties would agree to cooperate in implementing the contract.

During the meeting heavy debate continued over the financial agreements of the new system, particularly the $35,000 needed to cover the overall costs. Members of the commission reiterated the arguments of MacDonald, while the Water Company officials stated that they would not make such a payment under any conditions without a franchise. They claimed that a new 20-year franchise could allow refinancing of the company's indebtedness at a lower rate of interest, saving $35,000 to $50,000 which could be turned over to the city for retiring or paying interest on the bonds.

The commission would not be swayed. It refused to consider a new franchise and supported the short-term contract in order to allow the new system to operate for at least a year. Once the facts about operation costs and other factors were obtained, the commission would talk about a new franchise, but not before. Considering that the short-term contract included the payment provisions the company desired, it was willing to accept it. The compromise had settled the controversy for a year, but it would only be a matter of time before the issue would demand a long- term solution.

As a result of the controversy over the new franchise, and because he believed the valuation of the Wichita Water Company would inevitably come under question, either for a new franchise or for purchase of the distribution plant by the city, Mayor Corn pushed for a new survey and appraisal of the plant. He moved "that the city of Wichita take immediate steps to cause a survey and appraisal of the Wichita Water Company to be made; and if the city cannot finance such an investigation at the present time, then an item for this purpose be included in the 1941 city budget," The mayor maintained that the city, like a business, should be in full knowledge of all facts before taking long-term action on a matter. The motion passed 4 to 1. Eight months was predicted to complete the appraisal. Corn argued, "This matter means hundreds of thousands of dollars to the taxpayers and water consumers of Wichita. It should not be handled hastily or without the necessary facts." The controversy was settled for a period of time, but the motion clearly indicated that it would not be long before another fight over the ownership of the Water Company would come to the forefront. But for now the city could be happy to just celebrate its new and hard-earned supply of soft water. (City Commission Minutes).

In an article published July 28, 1940, the Eagle applauded the city's effort over the previous fiscal year in the water area, "Accomplishments of the city administration in the 12-month period, July, 1939, to July, 1940, will go down as historic in the municipal history of Wichita. Heading the outstanding list of improvements is the fulfillment of a dream of city officials for years, through many administrations--the most important improvement ever undertaken in modern times by the city, affecting every citizen, adult or child. It is the new softer water supply project, to cost $2,425,000. Completion date is set for the first of September. From 1883 until present days, citizens of Wichita planned and hoped for a better water supply. Through a process which included bond election and approval by the public, the city obtained a PWA grant, with the city to pay 55 percent of the cost, or $1,333,750, and PWA to supply federal funds of 45 percent or $1,091,250.

"Exacting were the demands for fulfillment of the contract with the federal agency, yet the administration continually progressed through all steps without once endangering the grant through error, unworthy bids, or any of the pitfalls that await even the most conscientious administration. From a paragraph in the report of the city clerk for the year 1939 is one small sentence that describes the work required to fulfill the obligations to citizens: 'There were 35 to 40 special commission meetings during the year just closed.' These were held in addition to the usual Monday night meetings of commissioners."

Throughout the next month many details were completed. On August 29, 1940, the city manager appointed nine positions to the city water supply plant. Two hundred seventy-four applicants competed, taking examinations under the supervision of Professor Wall and his staff at the University of Wichita, with the aid of the state Board of Health. Milford Rogers, a civil engineer graduate of Kansas University and the coordinating engineer for the Wichita water supply project, was named production superintendent, the highest position in the plant. The City Commission had adopted a measure fixing the salaries for the new positions the Monday before, the 26th. Rogers would be paid $250 a month. Robert H. Hess, a chemist for the state Board of Health at Kansas University was named chief chemist with a salary of $185 per month. Hess would eventually become the Water Department's first director and stay with the city nearly 35 years. Seven other positions were filled, mostly by Wichitans, with salaries ranging from $85 to $150 a month. These positions included a well field supervisor, Gilbert W. Hanson, $150 per month; a plant mechanic and electrician, Alfred E. Smith, $135; second and third class plant operators, Barton N. Ecelestor and Raymond M. Rogers, $135 and $125; an experienced plant operator, Perrie R. Johnson; a clerk, William L. Oehert; and a janitor and groundskeeper, Joseph F. Mason.

By this time, the contract with the Wichita Water Company for distributing the water for one year had received official agreement. At the August 26 commission meeting, an ordinance passed which officially called for the company to collect a 15 percent surcharge on the regular water bill for all Wichita residents, and a 30 percent surcharge for customers living outside the city. The new pipes had been connected so that when one valve was closed another would be opened to permit the