Mike Harris of contractor JTL updated the Town of Sellersburg council on Nov. 24 about the Sunflower Valley water and sewer project and other infrastructure items.

Harris said two property owners did not respond to repeated contact and the project team is making small alignment changes to avoid those properties; those properties will not be connected under the current phase and will be able to purchase meters and taps later if they choose. He said the Indiana Finance Authority’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) will be used for funding and that the project is scheduled to go to bid in the spring.

Harris reported most water valves have been installed and sewer work has started, but the contractor acknowledged it is behind schedule and has added personnel to speed progress. He also said the town is finalizing the PER (Preliminary Engineering Report) and AMP with coordination from Baker Tilly. Staff asked the consultant to prepare and submit required service-line inventory forms, which the consultant said are near the midpoint of completion and require council or staff signatures.

Council also heard that two tornado sirens funded with Clark County assistance are now operational — one on Allentown Road and the other at Perry Crossing — and a blood drive and holiday events were noted for public outreach.

Separately, during general council discussion a member referred to a Baker Tilly rate study completed in 2020 and suggested the council consider a modest water-rate increase (a figure “around $4” was mentioned in the meeting) for discussion at the council’s next meeting; staff confirmed rates were last adjusted in 2021. Council did not adopt a rate change at this meeting.