The village of Melrose tabulated surveys Thursday sent to water users asking if residents favor continuing with a $2.8 million water project and the count was 89 in favor and 66 opposed, said LeRoy Craig, village president.

Craig said there were 240 surveys sent out and 168 returned. Thirteen surveys were discarded because they were altered or were not clear, he said. A group of four village residents tabulated the surveys at the Melrose Village Hall after Craig opened them.

An estimated $370,000 of the project has already been spent, including the drilling of a new well. If the project is discontinued those costs will be made up for in increased water rates. The village has obtained a $511,000 grant to help pay for the project, which would be forfeited if the project were stopped.

The village board will meet Aug. 6 n the same day bids for the water project will be opened n to decide on the fate of the water project.