City faces $8 million wastewater treatment crisis

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for significant investment in the city's wastewater treatment plant, estimating costs between $6 million and $8 million to address longstanding issues. The potential financial burden on local residents, particularly low-income users, could result in a 20% increase in their wastewater bills if the city must fund these improvements internally.

City officials expressed optimism about securing a grant from the Epsilon EPA, which would cover the full cost of the necessary upgrades without requiring local matching funds. However, they acknowledged the need to explore alternative funding options through state resources if the grant is not awarded, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing the financial impact on ratepayers.

The meeting also included a review of the administrative services department's budget, which totals $624,655, with nearly 95% allocated to salaries and wages. The department aims to enhance operational efficiency by tracking performance metrics and supporting the city council in governance efforts. Notably, the facilities manager has completed HVAC certification, allowing for in-house maintenance and reducing reliance on external contractors.

As the meeting progressed, officials began to outline the budgets for various departments, including finance and community development, signaling a comprehensive approach to city management and resource allocation.