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Council approves 250,000‑gallon south water tower bid; staff to coordinate financing
Summary
After reviewing two capacity options, the council authorized staff to award the south water tower contract for the 250,000‑gallon schedule to the low bidder and to coordinate project financing; council favored the smaller tank to balance cost and projected growth.
KASSON CITY — The Kasson City Council authorized staff to proceed with the 250,000‑gallon south water tower project, awarding the work to the low bidder and directing staff to align project timing with the city’s borrowing schedule.
Brandon, city engineer, told the council the city received bids for two tower sizes; the 250,000‑gallon schedule bid was within the engineering estimate (about $2.9 million), while a 400,000‑gallon option would have increased the contract price by roughly $500,000. Brandon said the smaller tank would meet storage requirements for the city’s projected population and the expected south‑of‑Highway‑14 demand for the planning horizon presented.
Councilmembers discussed whether to opt for the larger tower for longer‑term capacity. Several members expressed concern about the water fund’s capacity and preferred the smaller tank now, with a commitment to review future needs as growth warrants.
Why it matters: A new south water tower is needed to provide adequate pressure and storage for the southern pressure zone; the decision commits capital spending, affects enterprise fund borrowing and sets the city’s short‑ to mid‑term water infrastructure plan.
Council action and finance considerations
The council approved the resolution to award the contract for the 250,000‑gallon tower (schedule A) to the apparent low bidder, Maguire Iron. Staff said the city will coordinate the borrowing timetable to avoid unnecessary interest costs and may bundle borrowing with other capital projects.
Brandon noted the 250,000‑gallon size would serve an estimated equivalent population in the planning horizon and that if heavier industrial water users locate south of Highway 14, the supply analysis would need revision. Councilmembers also asked about longer‑term maintenance costs; staff said lifecycle costs (painting, inspection) scale with size but the incremental difference would not change the immediate recommendation.
Ending
The council’s vote allows staff to finalize contract documents and plan financing and scheduling; construction timing will be coordinated with other capital projects to manage cash flow and borrowing costs.
