During the Summit County Council meeting on October 18, 2023, significant discussions centered around the optimization and expansion of the Mountain Regional Water treatment plant, as well as the issuance of water revenue bonds to finance new facilities.

The council reviewed a comprehensive plan developed over three years with the consulting firm Jacobs, which specializes in treatment plant design. This plan is crucial as it addresses the growing water demands in the region, particularly in light of future build-out projections. Council members discussed the current build-out status, estimating it to be over 60%, while acknowledging that future users may have lower peak water demands due to conservation efforts and changes in land use.

A public hearing was held regarding the adoption of an impact fees facilities plan, which was unanimously approved by the council. This plan is expected to help manage the financial implications of expanding water services as the community grows.

Additionally, the council addressed the issuance of up to $18 million in water revenue bonds, which will primarily fund the construction of a new water facility located off Highway 40. The council confirmed that they are nearing completion of the facility's design, with construction documents approximately 75-80% finalized.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after confirming that all necessary actions regarding the water revenue bonds and impact fees had been addressed. The discussions highlighted the council's proactive approach to managing water resources and infrastructure in response to the region's development needs.