Sulphur council ratifies water-sector Phase 2 funding, OKs consultant contract after public questions about delays
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Summary
The Sulphur City Council approved two resolutions Nov. 13: one committing local match for Water Sector Program Phase 2 and a second authorizing a professional services agreement with Myers/Meyer and Associates. Residents pressed the council over Phase 1 delays, reimbursement questions and the lack of contract timelines.
The Sulphur City Council on Nov. 13 voted to commit local matching funds for the Water Sector Program Phase 2 and authorized a professional services agreement with Myers (spelled variously in the packet as Meyer/Myers/Meijer) to assist the city on system improvements.
Resident Wendy Wingate told the council the water project has been delayed repeatedly since 2022 and said Phase 1 was supposed to finish in October 2024. “We’re in November 2025 and Phase 1, part 2 is only about 10% complete,” Wingate said, urging the council not to ratify additional agreements without clearer timelines or assurances on reimbursement. Wingate also asked whether the city had received any reimbursement for completed work.
Council moved forward despite those concerns. After public comment and a motion that was seconded by Miss Thomas, the council approved Resolution 52-25, authorizing the city to cover costs and provide a minimum 41% local match for the Water Sector Program Phase 2 (FY26–27). A roll call showed at least four members voting in favor and one member saying he remained opposed; the clerk announced the motion carried.
The council then considered Resolution 53-25, authorizing Mary Danaher to execute a professional services agreement with Myers/Meyer and Associates for Phase 2 system improvements. Kenneth Bellinger asked the meeting to confirm the city’s obligation under the service agreement would be contingent on the state award; he was told the commitment depends on the grant being awarded. Bellinger said, “If we get denied … we’re not on the hook for this service agreement.”
Danny Dipeta, who said he prepared a 14-scenario financial analysis, urged approval and described the packet as thorough. “If this were my money, I would jump on it in a heartbeat,” Dipeta said, arguing the project will generate revenue that can fund future development.
The council approved Resolution 53-25 by roll call; the clerk announced the motion carried and the meeting adjourned.
What the votes covered and what remains unresolved
• Resolution 52-25 — City commitment to Water Sector Program Phase 2 funding (minimum 41% match): approved. Several council members publicly recorded yes votes; one member stated he remained opposed. The motion as read and seconded carried by roll call.
• Resolution 53-25 — Authorization for Mary Danaher to enter a professional services agreement with Myers/Meyer and Associates: approved. Speakers asked that the city’s contractual obligations be contingent on state award of funds; the record reflects that contingency was acknowledged.
Council and public concerns focused on project pace, documentation and contract detail. Wingate said she received only a blank contract and no clear start/completion dates; the city did not provide a written timetable or reimbursement status during the meeting. Residents and speakers asked the council to ensure documentation and timelines are attached to future ratifications so the city can track reimbursements and avoid leaving funds unclaimed.
The next procedural step is administrative: city staff will finalize the professional services agreement consistent with the resolution and the city’s contingency on state grant award. No new public hearings were scheduled during the Nov. 13 special meeting.
