Andover joins interlocal agreement for updated Butler County wholesale water study

The Andover City Council voted 6-0 on Oct. 28 to approve an interlocal cost-sharing agreement with Butler County and neighboring cities to fund an updated wholesale water-supply feasibility study to El Dorado, to be performed by Black & Veatch.

Jolene Graham, assistant city administrator, said the study updates a 2000 analysis and follows direction the council gave at a February workshop on water-fund planning. The update is being coordinated among Butler County and the cities of Augusta, Benton, El Dorado, Rose Hill and Towanda.

Graham said the agreement divides costs by assessed valuation. She noted the county is contributing $15,000 toward the study. When asked about timeline, Graham said the scope calls for completion in up to three months. She said the scope is limited to updating the engineering study and does not include follow-on work such as grant writing or financing analysis; those would be separate engagements if the cities decide to pursue them after the study.

Council discussion emphasized the timing: councilmembers said now was a prudent time to study wholesale water options as regional water supply arrangements and contract renewals approach. The council asked whether all participating governments had committed to pay their shares; Graham said each city would need to approve and sign the agreement for it to be effective.

Councilmember Homer moved to approve the interlocal cost-sharing agreement; the motion was seconded and passed 6-0.