Lynn Haven — Commissioners and staff spent substantial time at the budget workshop on wastewater infrastructure, describing a set of high-cost choices the city must decide in the coming years to meet regulatory and capacity needs.

Finance Director Kiki Roman and staff reminded the commission that the sewer and stormwater funds remain a high priority. Roman said she has been told the headworks rehabilitation at the existing wastewater plant would cost in the order of $12.5 million; increasing treatment capacity at the current site was estimated at roughly $50 million to move from about 2.5 million gallons per day to 4.5 million gallons per day. An alternative tying the city into Bay Countys system was described as potentially in the neighborhood of $20 million, though staff cautioned these numbers can change during detailed planning.

Roman said city staff have included $75,000 in both the water and sewer budgets to pay for a rate study and that the city has been included on this years SRF (State Revolving Fund) list, which could provide low-interest financing if the commission chooses to borrow. “We are on the list to be included in that,” Roman said. She added the city would still need to decide whether to expand the local plant or tie in with Bay County and that either choice will require major investments.

Commissioners discussed timing and the citys consent order requirements. Roman said whatever the commission decides, per the consent order the city must notify the Department of Environmental Protection of its chosen approach; she told commissioners the city will need to bring formal materials on headworks and influent pump planning to the commission for a decision.

No final decision was made at the workshop. Staff said they will pursue a rate-study task order and coordinate with Bay County consultants to return a clear comparison of scenarios before the commission takes an action on borrowing or project selection.