On Nov. 4 the Onalaska Board of Public Works and Utilities approved SEH as the consultant to provide engineering design services for PFAS treatment at Well No. 9, accepting SEHs proposed fee of $415,715.

Staff described the selection process: an RFP was distributed, two firms (SEH and MSA) submitted proposals and an evaluation team scored the submittals. SEH scored highest; its fee aligns with industry norms (design fees commonly 6–8% of project cost). Staff reported a planning-level project cost near $7 million; at 6% design equals roughly $420,000, making SEHs fee within expectation.

Staff noted funding options: capital improvements water designated funds carry a balance sufficient to start design and the city expects principal‑forgiveness funding in the current cycle (the last cycle that can provide up to half of a project, up to $3.5 million of forgiveness). The board approved the award unanimously and staff will bring the matter to council as needed for final contracting.