Osage Beach public works lays out five-year capital plan, emphasizes microsurfacing and water options

Public Works Director Jeff Fisher told the Board of Aldermen that the city's proposed five-year Capital Improvement Program is intended as a financial plan that commits the city to specific infrastructure investments while leaving years two through five flexible for annual updates. "A 5 year capital improvement program is basically a financial plan," Fisher said, adding that the board would be asked to adopt the first year and consider the remaining years as a guideline.

Fisher emphasized a data-driven approach to pavement management and recommended microsurfacing on parts of Osage Beach Parkway as a cost-effective alternative to full overlays. "What you're seeing out there right now is a third of the cost of an overlay. It'll get us 10 years," he said, describing the preparation and sealant process that precedes the micro surface and the expected 10-year service life when properly applied.

The presentation listed specific 2026 priorities: targeted microsurfacing and crack treatments based on a third-party condition assessment, two culvert replacements at Nichols Road and Ash Lane (to be done as box culverts and requiring temporary road closures), a $100,000 placeholder for a Procter drainage improvement, and a partnership with the road district to improve ADA access and sidewalks along OB Parkway over multiple years. Fisher said staff will refine design and cost estimates before final budget adoption.

On water infrastructure, Fisher said the city has budgeted money to identify locations for a new municipal well and water tower and will decide whether to cash-fund the work or use bonded/low-interest loans such as state revolving fund programs. "One of the decisions that will have to be made along the way, sooner than later would be best, is whether to cash fund that or to bond fund that," Fisher said; he noted staff plans to commission a rate study and consult on financing options before committing to a funding approach.

Sewer work in the CIP emphasizes lift-station rehabs and preventive service to avoid stations reaching the end of their useful life. Fisher described using recent rehab projects as a template to package future lift-station work into more standardized, bid-friendly contracts to reduce costs and delivery time.

Board members pressed on priorities and sequencing. Alderman Osteen flagged Jeffreys Road as a near-term concern tied to the Oasis development and urged it be prioritized. Alderman Rucker noted that available outside funding could affect scheduling and urged staff to coordinate with partners. Several aldermen, including Collins, praised the plan's coordination across water, sewer and transportation work to avoid re-cutting newly improved streets.

The presentation also covered vehicle- and equipment-replacement planning and a push to improve preventive maintenance and spare part inventories to reduce downtime. Fisher said some operational changes and automation (including for a microbial "bugs" treatment trial at several lift stations) could reduce after-hours calls and improve system resilience.

Next steps: staff will use the CIP to inform the FY2026 budget work sessions, update condition data in early 2027, and refine costs for the board to consider during the formal budget adoption process.