City updates council on water-treatment upgrades; water-rate ordinance approved on third reading

City Utilities staff told the Columbia City Council on Aug. 18 that the water-treatment plant Phase 1 upgrades are roughly 30% complete and that bond authority approved by voters in prior years has been allocated to multiple water projects. Council adopted the ordinance amending Chapter 27 of the city code related to water services and rates on third reading.

Why it matters: The water-treatment improvements and pump-station work are central to the city's ability to maintain reliable water service for a growing population; rate changes fund infrastructure and operations.

Bond history and project status Utilities Director Erin Keyes summarized the 2018 voter-approved bond plan and subsequent bond sales (2018 and 2023). Staff said the original bond proposal included approximately $5.0 million for replacement of existing infrastructure, $27.0 million for system modernization, and $6.0 million for system reliability, but the actual project spending and appropriations were adjusted as bond sales and project costs evolved. Keyes told council there is no remaining bond authority for water projects; all funds are appropriated to specific projects or encumbered.

Construction updates Key construction highlights staff reported: - Water Treatment Plant Phase 1: staff said the project is a little more than 30% complete; primary clarifier Basin 3 is operational and work on Basin 4 has started. Filters, chemical building walls and new HVAC components have been installed. - West Ash Pump Station: equipment delivery and mobilization were projected for October 2025. - Some projects (Southwest Elevated Storage and Southeast Pump Station) remain on hold pending funding or siting resolution.

Rates and public inquiries Staff requested approval of the water-rate ordinance and answered council questions about irrigation meters for condominium associations. Sarah Talbert, the assistant director for rates and fiscal planning, provided a specific example: "The 1 inch water meter base charge is changing from $21.84 per month to $27.46 per month," and explained that irrigation-meter sizing is driven by irrigation system flow needs, not by the city arbitrarily assigning multiple meters.

Council action Council approved the water-rate ordinance (Bill 170-25) on third reading by roll call. Staff said additional construction- and financing-related updates will come as projects proceed and as the city finalizes remaining funding plans.

Ending note: Staff advised that while some bond-funded projects are complete or underway, others require further funding decisions; the approved rate adjustments will help the utilities meet near-term capital and operational needs.