[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6482487,"mediaKeyId","5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6","parentId",5560060,"title","City finance director reports revenues ahead of schedule; wastewater plant borrowing and debt noted","audioSeconds",127,"startMs",273000,"endMs",400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6&start=273&end=400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6/thumbnail_273000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6482487/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/City-finance-director-reports-revenues-ahead-of-schedule-wastewater-plant-borrowing-and-debt-noted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482487-834c9e44c9fb0ab4713cc5626a35ced3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704656&Signature=MdVUec20s~CCFSswV4FVWaqUGBknuLwRfAS-9K-KuHbDTfvogrcQvHQWgltkhjfLMxCPZtCFrQPsuV-5sG-AUWc0iTBf2Bdzj1lHWqUP61wayP7QXOX6tYvv9XS3Am8NNVHzd76bjavp2OoRwBNEDCfm7ciGnRfNnpSw3M8znFBtV7OJSNnV1PBEQv5sZZexGMGzjj7STcx-XluTMdjB9zdzjrM1p7zHjYx6RkDuCTJvGzspHgvPvIrdI27yCVGdIOwxljAAS~e3LNAiZHdSy2f32xVSmYswE2phvg7trP6~3va2u-NLS~YT-hZ57xNe6oS~AHVueKRRPau4GSto1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newcastle","date","2025-08-12T01:17:43Z","article","At the August meeting, finance staff presented the monthly treasury report for July, telling council that year-to-date general fund revenues were running ahead of schedule while expenses remain within expected ranges.

The report showed general fund revenues at 12.8% of budget versus an ideal execution rate of 8.3% at this point in the fiscal year; general fund expenses were at 9.2%. The capital improvement tax fund and other special funds were within projected execution ranges. Finance staff noted the ECWA (water/wastewater) side of the house was ahead on revenues but that expenses were elevated because of ongoing wastewater plant construction.

Staff reported the city had drawn construction debt for the wastewater plant (referenced in discussion as a multimillion-dollar borrowing; staff cited figures including $47.766 million and a $2.7 million meter loan) and said the wastewater project should be closing soon. Combined fund balances across city funds were reported at roughly $18.9 million at month-end, and current indebtedness was stated at over $64 million (staff said the total includes construction financing).

Staff also referenced specific fund balances (general fund roughly $1.9 million; capital improvement tax fund $2.4 million; rent cost share fund $2.2 million; opioid abatement fund over $80,000) and noted a future debt-service interest payment that will impact the wastewater plant fund. No budget amendment or formal vote was requested during the summary presentation.

Ending: Finance staff said they would return with monthly updates; council acknowledged the report and did not take action at this meeting. Staff flagged an upcoming debt service payment that would reduce available balances next month.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting Monday August 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Finance staff told council that general fund revenues are slightly ahead of expectations for the fiscal year to date, the city has borrowed for wastewater plant construction, and several fund balances and indebtedness totals were summarized for July.","taxTitle","Newcastle, McClain County, Oklahoma","taxId",61935,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6482490,"Council approves adjustment to utility account after resident disputes long-standing meter charges",80,176000,256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6&start=176&end=256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6482490/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Council-approves-adjustment-to-utility-account-after-resident-disputes-long-standing-meter-charges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482490-d5462737db4a9aed26ca6f3d7bb34abd/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704656&Signature=QFbyu9zHsK89OtMCivKZwgOQjLgpQaVJiWiV5Pguw5EpOTgDHBSDL7jm5G-luHbw5XVr9~HjxkkT4IltOdjOH7Y9mJGluWbjPhqAw~g88cL8Bjdw5-U80OkkcDaX7XB67Ji05QRS2ZCNXA37SsgSfhkRnfy63ZyDXSAr8p1BLw~gtJp7lgiS6HI26IlD0lxvdcwAkAP9j2sY-Z6m~hxptcSvOxygFmd80cEkQr3VKijdcEocWgdCLLiN7j6P-VpfpJtpXUKolLC9Sa0zJFj3UpDomf0Q6WrAkP~i02I~pBv18Tor8mlS35r60SdaXuTRRTCIty1UoSP1~w4jrCyAZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newcastle Public Works Authority approved an adjustment to a utility account after a resident, identified as Tom Gillum, told the board the property’s old water meter had been removed and he had continued to pay charges for a meter he says was no longer in service.

Gillum approached the board during the citizen comment portion of the Public Works Authority meeting and asked that the account for service address 1937 North Southern Stick Highway (utility account 05-1709-00) be reviewed and adjusted. He said that an old meter — he estimated it to be about 25 years old — had been disconnected or removed and that billing records showed no water usage for the period. \"...we found 1 that's about 25 old, and I've been paying on it ever, for the last 20 years,\" Gillum said.

Staff told the board the city's billing system allows review back up to five years; staff recommended an adjustment consistent with available records. A motion to adjust the utility account and refund the appropriate amount for the past five years was made, seconded and carried by roll call.

Ending: The board approved the account adjustment; staff will process the refund consistent with the city's five-year billing review limit and provide administrative follow up to the resident. No changes to city billing policy were made during the meeting.

","A resident, Tom (Gillum), asked the Public Works Authority to adjust the water account at 1937 N Southern Stick Highway; the board approved staff's motion to adjust and refund charges going back up to five years per the city's billing policy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6482495,"Public works reports progress on Manor Lakes pressure-reducing valves and final sewer plant inspection",135,952000,1087000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6&start=952&end=1087","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6/thumbnail_952000.jpg","/articles/6482495/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Public-works-reports-progress-on-Manor-Lakes-pressure-reducing-valves-and-final-sewer-plant-inspection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482495-33be8ad5df12b5875c5344fa30aaa25b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704656&Signature=K8VJR7eS34pX23OVqg5J9eAkCZ~pno~WnSdJ6aRVuVaQriBNH6tINqMNKNg7OaITGhkgeTgv1-sGz64R1ughz9jRawKtCofGUfkvU1eCXUK91XtUbgIHWOwcIl1TaJ5uAEeKeG4rH-OCjfD4tJ8lKTqmK4ZuPScUviVWiFqPtpMBvSRxlgBQNDevIDYhsxJHS8-pQOKZxhq6vOzfA~JbsX~vGQ6s1sF~JJG3rSy72X4cFEFSHqGsw03LAupucyJWo3uGsnIVf83ThWXZMb8qguUPedMsgo0Wj2jRuufJFjCcHrbgQ7yASQ34UeyQgjzPQ-CHyzsUEyXChtZcCIcrTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newcastle Public Works Authority reported progress on two upcoming infrastructure items: installation of pressure-reducing valves for Manor Lakes subdivision and the final inspection of the new wastewater treatment plant.

The general manager told the board that the booster station on Western Street will increase pressure into Manor Lakes and that 14 pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) are planned — two on Western and 12 inside Manor Lakes — based on the developer's engineer assessments. \"Apparently, there was a verbal agreement according to the engineer that the Atkins would purchase those valves and we would install,\" a staff member said, summarizing the plan and the engineer-determined valve locations.

Separately, staff said the wastewater treatment plant has a final inspection scheduled for the coming Wednesday but that the effluent pipeline does not yet reach the river and a headwall has not been installed. The general manager said the pipe terminates about 40 to 45 feet short and that the contractor must extend the pipe and install an end/headwall to prevent potential backflow onto nearby properties when flows rise.

Council and staff emphasized that the engineer and contractor must certify the completed work. The general manager said he had emailed the project engineer and asked for immediate confirmation and corrective action. No formal council action was requested or taken on either item during the meeting; staff said they are monitoring both tasks and expect to complete them before fall rains increase runoff.

Ending: Staff asked for and received council awareness; the board did not vote on these items. Staff will follow up with the city engineer and contractor and return to council or the public works authority if further action or budget adjustments are required.

","City staff told council they will install pressure-reducing valves in Manor Lakes ahead of a booster station coming online and that the new wastewater treatment plant’s effluent line and headwall still need finishing work before final signoff.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6482500,"Newcastle council denies ordinance change that would have allowed plastic driveway culverts",580,2084000,2664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6&start=2084&end=2664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5560060-3cd96b70b7cdee99d4a79cc2b6c170a6/thumbnail_2084000.jpg","/articles/6482500/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Newcastle-council-denies-ordinance-change-that-would-have-allowed-plastic-driveway-culverts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482500-839c366612046138c0afc20fb1c90d50/orig.mp4?Expires=1776704656&Signature=Vg2eA-l1MPvCNeK31j2R0YJOwtKfe1plFpjYCj2i2EUQMFLEWYS~iKsbNj2EmQolVFImEDWCBAbEfJP9mPGXPyObsBGvoEXMs9CEMrPjvzlOzEpMM85gmsS2Rp1t~Er44MEkiFgqN0In7gtmQG-szYytKjDzfF7M0wzI79pNsCUpb3Bb2HKE4gHf-FP5LPZ7EPG4517nvWxFrXogqwuDLDN8qXuQMyW~fqMrOKtQaDHwKQ1UQHsjWiLH31hWUGmqV4KbR~dc0Mxe6hClYjRi09e-z~SYecqWjuZpPLqgKzipxgcF-Gs4H4ecKEz1bvlwyBP2pLM0kAYgCSuJvBSUJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Newcastle City Council on Monday voted to deny an ordinance amendment that would have allowed plastic (HDPE) driveway culverts and explicit headwall end treatments on local streets. The proposal had been recommended for approval by planning staff and the planning commission but drew extended debate from council members, staff and local builders over durability, maintenance and required cover depth.

Planning staff described the change as an update to subdivision and driveway culvert rules in New Castle Code chapter 153.081, adding language to allow certain corrugated plastic and dual-wall products and permitting headwall end treatments on local streets under 25 mph. \"Planning staff recommends approval of this ordinance amendment,\" planning staff member Shanay Greenlee told council, citing an engineer's letter that set installation requirements and minimum manufacturer cover specifications.

The nut graf: opponents — including local home builders and at least one council member — said the city's existing ditch depths and driveway profiles in many established neighborhoods cannot meet the minimum cover the plastic pipe requires, which would create driveway humps or require digging much deeper ditches across subdivisions. Builder Mark Woodard told the council he is a long-time local builder and said he opposed the change: \"I'm a builder in Pacella,\" Woodard said during public comment, and he described examples in other municipalities where the product led to maintenance and replacement issues.

Council discussion focused on three technical points: (1) minimum cover required above HDPE/PE pipe (some municipalities require up to 2 feet), (2) whether the city's existing bar-ditch profiles and easements provide enough depth to meet those cover requirements, and (3) inspection and long-term maintenance — including whether enforcement resources exist to verify cover and proper end treatment installation before a driveway is poured.

Planning staff and the city engineer had proposed an owner/developer acknowledgment form to assign maintenance responsibility and require that manufacturers' installation specifications be met. Staff also noted the ordinance would exclude locations where minimum cover cannot be achieved and that developers could still pursue alternatives through the subdivision/plat or PUD process. Council members questioned whether that would be sufficient to prevent post-construction failures and said many existing neighborhoods have pipe and ditch configurations unsuited to the change.

After deliberation, a motion to deny the ordinance amendment was made and seconded; the motion carried, meaning the proposed revision to chapter 153.081 will not be adopted. The planning commission had recommended approval (vote: 3–1), but council members concluded the city's current subdivision profiles and inspection capacity made the change premature. The council also asked staff to tighten the proposed owner/developer acknowledgment and to provide deeper comparative research about where and how other Oklahoma municipalities allow the product.

Ending: Council members suggested that a developer could still pursue use of alternate culvert materials through a planned unit development or a variance that includes detailed engineering showing how cover depths and end treatments would be met for a specific subdivision. Staff said it would return with revised language for the acknowledgment and with additional research if council wanted to revisit the issue.

","After hours of public comment and technical debate, the City Council voted to deny an ordinance amendment that would have let developers use HDPE (plastic) culvert pipe and add headwalls as an allowed end treatment for local streets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City finance director reports revenues ahead of schedule; wastewater plant borrowing and debt noted

Council approves adjustment to utility account after resident disputes long-standing meter charges

Public works reports progress on Manor Lakes pressure-reducing valves and final sewer plant inspection

Newcastle council denies ordinance change that would have allowed plastic driveway culverts