Council approves bond ordinance to pursue sewer repairs tied to illicit discharge study; grant sought to cover half costs

The Utica Common Council on May 21, 2025 adopted a bond ordinance authorizing $1,220,000 in serial bonds to finance reconstruction and improvement of the city sewer system, city staff said.

City Engineer Nick Bridal told the council a previous study identified locations in the Blue Creek and other drainage areas where sanitary sewer flow was entering the storm system. He said the scope includes investigations and repairs to divert sanitary lines back into the sanitary system. “We’re gonna try to get the grant, secure about 50% of the funding. If we can get that, well, the project will move forward. If we don’t get that, it might not move forward at all. But we have to go through the bond step in order to make application,” Bridal said.

Bridal said the work is tied to the city’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) permit and ongoing obligations to correct illicit discharges. He described the $1.22 million as a planning and construction estimate with contingencies; staff said estimates will be refined during design. If the city secures EFC financing with principal forgiveness (roughly 50%), the long‑term borrowing costs to the city would be reduced.

Council members asked whether the borrowing was already accounted for in the city’s debt schedule and whether sewer rates would need additional adjustments; councilors were told debt‑service details and future rate impacts would be discussed as part of upcoming budget work.

The council adopted the sewer‑system bond ordinance; roll call reflects council members present at the meeting and a recorded adoption in the minutes.