With an average of a 30 percent water loss this year, Bell Buckle is looking at purchasing a telemetry system to monitor the status of that town's water system.

Alderman Mark Felices has been researching the idea so that water mangers would be able to check the levels of all the system's tanks and pumps remotely, saving workers the time of having to drive to each location to check the levels manually.

With no way to monitor the system, there have been overflows at the water tanks from time to time, costing Bell Buckle money. The system would allow city workers to log in and monitor water levels from anywhere that has an Internet connection.

The proposed system, which is estimated to cost $75,000, can also look for leaks in the water line. It could likely be paid for with a rural development grant.

Felices also suggested that the town could split the cost with neighboring Wartrace on the purchase of a master meter at a cost of $10,000 since Wartrace already uses a similar telemetry system.

During May, Bell Buckle workers repaired two major leaks in their system, according to water manager Ronnie Lokey. Lokey said that demand for water was high and with the current drought, all they had to do to find a leak was to look for patches of green grass.

Mayor Dennis Webb instructed Lokey to keep the water tanks full so that there wouldn't be a danger of a shortage.

In related business, the board approved a water tap for Thomas and Sandra Carney on Happy Valley Road. Before they did so, there was a discussion about the continued growth and the impact on county schools.

Bell Buckle will be looking at the concept of forming a municipal court in the small village. Right now, there is no court in place to enforce the town's ordinances or to fine violators. Board members will examine a 17 page manual from the state's Municipal Technical Advisory Service [MTAS] over the next month.

The anticipated budget for 2007-08 was passed on second and final reading, as well and an amended budget for this year. Revenue and expenditures are expected to be $107,100 for this coming fiscal year. The board set the adjusted tax rate for the town at 15.32 cents on second reading, the same as last year.

Also passed on second and final reading were changes to the town's zoning ordinance, which has not been updated since the early 1980's. The 200 page document will be posted on the town's web site.

The board voted to increase the hours of office worker Sandy Thomas to 30 hour a week and also to give her a pay hike. Fire Chief Ronnie Lokey reported that the volunteer department had raised $7,000 in their recent photo sale.

Traffic issues were discussed by the board for this weekend RC Cola/Moon Pie festival and vehicle access would be limited on some streets during the early morning run due to safety issues.

Several events at Bell Buckle Park were announced. A Tournament Day for children is set for Thursday at the park at 10 a.m.. Photo day is set for June 30 at 10 a.m. with instructions on how to take great photos and the park will be hosting a 4th of July Celebration kicking off at 10 a.m. with a free hamburger cookout. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish.

Also slated for that day will be a car rally hosted by the Tri-Lake Sports Car Club of Tullahoma, with proceeds benefiting the park. Employees of Deloitte Touche were also thanked for their volunteer work on the park last week.