Council approves multiple water and sewer contracts, authorizes loans and engineering work for pump‑station and plant repairs

Council approved a series of ordinances authorizing loan agreements, contracts and professional services to rehabilitate water and wastewater infrastructure, including the Pearl and Tacoma pump stations and work at the Black River wastewater treatment plant.

Council passed ordinances to authorize entry into a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund agreement and to solicit contracts for rehabilitation work at Pearl and Tacoma pump stations. During discussion, staff said the full project cost for one package is roughly $27.5 million and a separate package was described as roughly $25 million; the administration said it pursues grants and principal forgiveness through state programs as available.

Council also approved procurement of engineering, construction management and professional services tied to those projects and authorized the purchase of services to rehabilitate wash water tanks at the water purification plant and a grinder retrofit for the Black River plant. Councilmembers emphasized that many of these efforts depend on loan or grant funding and that principal forgiveness through the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) or similar programs can reduce local debt burdens.

Council discussion noted that state and federal funding streams have become more competitive and that timing matters for bidding and construction. All of the water/wastewater ordinances before council that evening passed unanimously. Staff said the measures are meant to keep the system functioning and to address longstanding infrastructure needs.