During a recent government meeting, officials addressed critical infrastructure issues, particularly concerning the town's aging water system and ongoing projects aimed at improving water reliability and fire safety.

The town's water supply system, which has been in place for over 30 years, is facing significant challenges due to its outdated infrastructure. Officials highlighted that the system relies on four pump stations, with no backup in place. If any one of these stations fails, the entire water supply could be compromised. This situation has been recognized for over a decade, and efforts are underway to enhance the system's reliability.

A key development discussed was the agreement with Phoenix to treat the town's water, which will be transported via a new pipeline currently under construction. This pipeline is expected to alleviate some of the town's water demands, particularly during winter months, although officials noted that it will not fully meet the higher summer demand, which is 75% greater than in winter. The town is currently negotiating for additional water capacity from Phoenix, but no commitments have been made.

Financially, the town is borrowing $13 million for the interconnect project, supplemented by a $2 million grant, which will help reduce costs for ratepayers. The project aims to ensure future water supply reliability, with the costs spread over 20 years, allowing for low-interest rates on bonds.

In addition to water infrastructure, the meeting also covered the construction of a new firehouse, which will house fire trucks and provide water supply to areas lacking fire hydrants. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance fire response capabilities, especially during the summer fire season.

Street maintenance was another significant topic, with the town committing nearly $3 million to repair and upgrade roads, a substantial increase from previous budgets. This initiative aims to address a backlog in street maintenance and improve safety standards.

Lastly, officials discussed the ongoing development of a comprehensive water master plan, which is expected to address various aspects of the town's water and sewer systems. This plan is particularly timely as negotiations regarding water allocation from the Colorado River are set to change in 2027, impacting the town's water supply.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's proactive approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs, ensuring water reliability, and enhancing public safety through improved fire response and road maintenance.