Smithville officials outline $70 million water and sewer upgrade plan, endorse near-term COPs

Smithville city staff presented an 8–10 year plan that would invest about $70 million in the combined water and wastewater systems and asked the Board of Aldermen for general direction to proceed with a mix of short-term debt and future voter‑approved revenue bonds.

City staff emphasized that the projects are driven by aging infrastructure, ongoing growth and cash‑flow constraints. Chuck (city staff member, utilities/project lead) described the projects and estimated costs, and Rick (city finance staff) walked through projected cash flows. Financial adviser Todd Goffy of Piper Jaffray explained financing options and Megan Miller (bond counsel) joined to answer legal and timing questions. Alderman Russell and other board members asked questions about project scope, regulations and rate impacts.

The plan presented includes a mix of immediate rehabilitation and longer‑term expansions. Staff said the projects in the water and wastewater master plans include: replacement and capacity upgrades for multiple lift stations (including a 140 Fourth Street lift station bid at $3,400,000), decommissioning several functionally obsolete pump stations, a new 12‑inch river crossing water main, multi‑phase Owens Branch gravity sewer improvements to allow additional residential capacity, water plant…