The Sedalia City Council on July 7 approved Amendment No. 1 to Phase 1 of the design-build agreement with Burns & McDonnell to update the facility plan for the city’s north and central wastewater treatment plants.
City staff said the amendment formalizes evaluation of a “central consolidation” alternative that would eliminate the north plant and route flows to the central plant using a new 4.5 million gallons-per-day (MGD) force main and associated screening and pump facilities. The scope also includes a proposed new 150-foot-diameter aeration basin, added clarifiers, a new blower building, upgraded solids handling and UV disinfection at the central site.
The amendment, described by staff as an effort to keep the project within funding limits, will produce updated site layouts, hydraulic profiles, flow diagrams, equipment lists and an updated opinion of probable construction cost for council review. “This approach addresses key financial and operational challenges with an absolute goal of staying within budget,” a city staff presentation said.
Staff told the council that earlier estimates for a new north plant exceeded the city’s bond capacity and did not include necessary repairs at the central facility. City staff recommended the amendment to preserve flexibility and evaluate a consolidation option that could reduce long-term maintenance and energy costs and improve reliability.
Council members moved the bill through second reading and final passage by roll call; the motion passed. The item was introduced during the council’s public works discussion and advanced as Bill No. 2025-114.
No formal construction authorization was given; the amendment funds planning and conceptual design work and will return with more detailed cost estimates and recommendations before any construction decisions.