Commissioners approve supplemental loan request to finish South Side Water Treatment expansion

Beaufort County commissioners approved a supplemental funding request to seek roughly $1.95 million in additional financing to complete the South Side Water Treatment Plant expansion and related well improvements.

Public Works staff and the countyengineer told the board that the portion of work under discussion was originally part of a larger river-crossing project funded in the early 2010s but removed from the contract after bids came in over budget. The work was rebid in 2016 and began, but the COVID-19 pandemic, material shortages and inflation drove costs above the original award. The county sought guidance from the Division of Water Infrastructure and the Local Government Commission in preparing the supplemental request.

Staff presented a draft letter to the funding agency and draft change orders and a proposed budget amendment that assume the county will receive supplemental funding in the form of a 0% interest loan with a 20-year term. The change order presented to the board includes a $43,000 contingency amount to cover likely minor adjustments in quantities or inspection costs.

Commissioners asked whether the county needs the additional water now or if it could defer the work; staff said the upgrade provides backup capacity if a well fails and noted the project already has about $600,000 expended. Staff estimated construction scheduling would likely be within 1218 months if contractor availability permits. Commissioners discussed the possibility of reduced purchases of water from the City of Washington offsetting some debt service.

After discussion the board approved the resolution to submit the supplemental funding request and the associated change orders and budget amendment; staff will sign and file the request with the Division of Water Infrastructure for Local Government Commission consideration.