Housing--or, rather, the lack thereof--was a hot topic at last week’s regular city council meeting.

“Castronics has experienced real rapid growth,” explained John Morrison, representative and employee of the company. In May of 2010 the oil pipe firm employed 34 people. Their current payroll lists 108, with up to 50 new hires expected over the next year. “About two-thirds, approximately, live in the area.”

Morrison went on to explain that the other one-third reside in Pine Bluffs, Potter, Sidney, Scottsbluff, Cheyenne, as well as, some that drive from Fort Morgan.

“They haven’t moved to town because of the housing,” he continued.

In Morrison’s opinion, rental property owners should spend time and money renovating their houses and apartment buildings. With so many local employees forced to live outside of the area, decent properties would bring in greater monthly rates for the owners and benefit the community. If more of those working at Castronics, Clean Harbors and the hospital moved to Kimball, the tax base and retail spending would improve.

“Maybe the reason they don’t want to pay $400 for your rental is because I wouldn’t move into it,” Morrison added. “I’m sorry, but, most of these houses that we have right now, I would not buy and I would not rent, and I don’t expect our employees to do that.”

“We see exactly what John presented,” said Ken Hunter, chairman of Kimball Health Services. “The number one thing that we hear is ‘Gosh, we’ve went and looked around and we can’t find a house.’”

The hospital counts 85 employees, with nurses averaging $28 an hour, plus benefits. Doctors and some practitioners earn more. Hunter explained that when he first came to Kimball looking  for housing, what he saw in his range was not at all what he expected for the price.

“I probably have ten people that would move here right now if they could find something,” Hunter pointed out.

Mayor James Schnell addressed the board and the public in regards to housing issue.

“We have started to looking into what the needs are for housing in Kimball, if there actually is a need,” he said. “We have also had PADD [Panhandle Area Development District] put together figures here to show there is an area of need.”

Karen Morrison, representing  Clean Harbors, agreed with Castronics and Kimball Health Services. “We do have a number of professional people out there and there are a number of them that do commute,” she explained. “We have some that commute, as far away as Cheyenne, and one in Colorado. There just aren’t that many places available for them to rent.

“They are used to nicer places to live and when they come to Kimball, it’s kind of an eye-opener.”

The board discussed those in the community who own rental property. They admitted that many owners had waiting lists on decent rentals.

“There are lots and properties that are in nice neighborhoods,” advised Mayor Schnell, “there are opportunities to do these things without getting the City involved with a lot of tax dollars.  We just need to get the word out and start talking to people who are looking for investment opportunities. We need to try and get this addressed in a reasonable time-frame.”

Castronics will be adding a new building at their facility this summer and expect to bring in another 50 employees.