Paradise Town Council discusses $114M wastewater project funding and cost estimates

In a pivotal meeting on August 14, 2025, the Paradise Town Council discussed a crucial plan to subsidize utility rates as part of the town's recovery efforts. The proposal aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents by investing town funds into a rate subsidy program, which would help establish a utility and encourage growth by attracting more customers.

Council members emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that without such support, residents may be deterred from paying high utility costs. The plan is designed to ensure that as the utility grows, the need for subsidies will diminish, ultimately leading to a more sustainable financial model for the town.

The meeting also highlighted the estimated costs for the first phase of the project, which range from $90 million to $114 million. The council is committed to securing funding entirely through grants, with a focus on maintaining accurate and conservative estimates to avoid future budget shortfalls. Key components of the project include engineering design, environmental permitting, and construction of the wastewater treatment system, all of which have been carefully calculated to reflect current economic conditions.

As the council moves forward, they are determined to ensure that the project meets community expectations while adhering to strict standards for construction and environmental impact. The anticipated outcomes of this initiative are not only to restore essential services but also to stimulate growth and improve the quality of life for Paradise residents.