Speedway council approves engagement with Baker Tilly for wastewater rate study

Speedway — The Town of Speedway Town Council unanimously approved an engagement letter Sept. 8 with Baker Tilly Advisory Group LLP to perform a wastewater rate study and financial plan tied to combined sewer overflow remediation at the town's wastewater treatment plant.

Town Clerk-Treasurer Phil Faust presented the item and recommended approval of the engagement letter, saying the project is one town staff and the public have heard about repeatedly and "estimates for that are anywhere from the $15 to $20,000,000 price tag." The council voted 4-0 to approve the engagement letter.

Why it matters

Council members and staff described the work as the next step in planning for a large capital project. Baker Tilly will analyze the town's rate structure, evaluate financing options including bond issuance, and assist with financial applications and reporting related to capital improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

What staff said

Phil Faust (Town Clerk-Treasurer) told the council the engagement is expected to support decisions about whether and how to change sewer rates and to prepare for potential bond financing. The engagement was presented as a planning and advisory step; no rate changes or bond issuances were authorized at the Sept. 8 meeting.

Next steps and timeline

Staff indicated the wastewater project planning work will continue for "probably the next year or so." Baker Tilly's analysis will be used to recommend rate adjustments and financing strategies that the council would need to approve in future public meetings before any rate changes or debt issuance occur.

Vote and implementation

The council approved the engagement letter 4-0. The Utilities/Public Works department and finance staff will oversee the consultant's work and report back to the council with recommendations for rate structure, potential bond approaches and required public processes.