O'Fallon reviews 2026 water and sewer budgets; major biosolids and lift-station projects planned

Marshall, a Water & Sewer staff member, presented the proposed 2026 wastewater and water budgets and reviewed capital projects and requested equipment purchases.

Wastewater: Marshall explained a Munis accounting rollover effect that makes 2026 operating expenditures appear lower on the PDF, but the underlying operating need is roughly 1.87 percent less than the 2025 proposed figure after adjusting for encumbrances. Major wastewater capital projects in the 2026 proposal include a biosolids sludge dewatering upgrade (moving to centrifuges) at about $2,400,000; annual sanitary sewer pipelining (I&I reduction) at $200,000; North Lift Station rehabilitation (engineering and construction planning) at $300,000; SCADA system improvements ($25,000); an RDP demo phase at $150,000; manhole rehabilitation at $100,000; and a Barrington relief sewer (storm-related relief main) at $575,000. Capital equipment listed includes replacement utility trailers (approximately $45,500), annual lift-station pump replacements ($100,000), a second biosolids truck ($200,000) and other fleet items. Marshall summarized total sewer capital near $4,600,000 for the package presented.

Water: Marshall said water operating expenditures reflect about a 4.67 percent increase driven primarily by water purchases and plant projects. Capital items included SCADA improvements ($10,000), an enclosed trailer ($15,850), a sweeper attachment ($7,500) and replacement of a dump truck (about $210,000). He reported the new Alluvia well is operational and producing approximately 0.7 million gallons per day (MGD); staff said the well is on the punch list phase of completion and water quality has been straightforward to treat.

Committee members asked timing and scope questions. Scott Peterson asked about the sludge-dewatering schedule; Marshall said design work is underway and construction will span most of 2026 into 2027 (about 12—24 months, possibly longer). James Myers and others asked about recurring maintenance versus backlog; staff said a multi-year CIP and annual lining program should keep the system current.

Ending: Marshall invited further questions and the committee moved on to the capital projects presentation. No formal committee vote on the water and sewer budgets was recorded in this meeting.