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Utilities directors outline PFAS work, staffing requests and seek SRF loan deadline extension
Summary
Utility managers briefed the council on water treatment upgrades to address PFAS, requested a senior plant operator and GIS intern, and the council authorized an SRF loan amendment to extend completion and repayment dates for a pipe-rehab project.
City utility leaders told the City of Orange City council on June 24 that the city is expanding water treatment capacity to address PFAS and other treatment needs and asked for staff and equipment to operate new systems; the council also approved an amendment to a State Revolving Fund loan timeline for a pipe rehabilitation project.
Robert Lawler, utility services director, and staff described the water system: ten wells, six storage tanks and an average treatment of roughly 1.7 million gallons per day. Lawler and other staff discussed recent installation of a green-sand filter system and related chemical changes, and they said the city's operating costs for chemicals and fleet maintenance have risen substantially because of the new equipment and outsourcing needs.
Lawler asked the council to approve two new positions for utilities: a senior plant operator to provide on-site coverage for new treatment processes and an intern to support GIS asset mapping. He said the green-sand filters require set on-site coverage and additional training for plant operators; he also noted the department has been using outside contractors because existing mechanics are occupied with other city apparatus.
On the wastewater side, staff said capital outlays have fallen because a major pipe-rehab and septic-to-sewer project concluded, but ongoing lift-station upgrades and routine R&R work continue.
Separately, John Peters asked the council to approve Amendment 2 to SRF loan DW642041 (the city's pipe-rehab SRF loan) to extend the project completion date to Nov. 15 and to push the first semiannual repayment to May 15, 2026 (estimated semiannual payment shown as $238,765). The council approved the amendment and authorized the mayor to execute it.
Council members and staff said they will continue to seek grants and other funding to reduce rate and budget impacts as new treatment capacity comes online.
