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Council authorizes up to $80,000 for altitude valve work needed for potential WaterOne takeover
Summary
Facing a narrow window while a large local industrial customer plans a rare plant shutdown, the council authorized the mayor to sign a contract not to exceed $80,000 to install an altitude valve in a Spring Hill water tower; the work is a condition of a possible WaterOne purchase arrangement.
The Spring Hill City Council authorized the mayor to enter into a contract, not to exceed $80,000, for installation of an altitude valve in a city water tower to accommodate technical connections should WaterOne proceed with a purchase of Spring Hill’s water system.
City staff described the work as a precondition to a potential WaterOne acquisition of the city’s water utility. "If WaterOne were to take over our system, they would take over our water tower," City Attorney and staff explained during the item. Staff said the valve is a specialized part with a long lead time and that a narrow window exists because Cardinal Glass — a nearby industrial water customer — plans a rare full shutdown for plant work in early February. Staff emphasized the urgency: if the valve is not ordered and installed during that shutdown period, the opportunity could be lost.
Public and council discussion addressed tradeoffs. Supporters said WaterOne can likely provide lower long‑term rates and improved service; skeptics urged caution and asked staff to continue exploring options with the city’s current supplier (referred to in meeting as "WaterTwo"). "The driving force of this is the good of the citizens," a staff member said, noting WaterOne’s ability to offer lower rates over time. Staff also confirmed the valve installation itself is brief (a day or two) though some preparatory work can happen in advance; pressure reductions for customers closest to the tower might be modest while the tower is offline.
Motion and vote: The council voted to authorize the mayor to execute a contract with WaterOne for installation of an altitude valve for an amount not to exceed $80,000. The motion passed 5‑0.
Why it matters: Staff described the step as necessary only if the council chooses to move forward with a WaterOne system takeover; the valve work is city‑funded but would enable the technical transfer. The council did not vote to sell or transfer the utility; members said further negotiation and more detailed information would precede any final transfer decision.
Implementation and next steps: Staff said WaterOne would perform the installation, the city would commit funds only if needed, and the mayor would sign the contract to allow quick procurement. Staff pledged to update the council in the next meeting and to continue negotiating with other potential providers if appropriate.
