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Commissioners table $695,000 reclaimed-water ordinance and master-plan contract for further review
Summary
The board deferred approval of a proposed $695,000 professional services contract (Arcadis) to draft a reclaimed-water ordinance and a master plan after commissioners raised questions about timing, legal authority, developer burden, funding and the contract—s multi-year timeline. Staff will provide clarifications and return at the next meeting.
County staff recommended contracting with Arcadis for engineering and planning services to modernize the county's reclaimed-water ordinance and prepare a reclaimed-water master plan at a total cost of $695,000 (phase 1: $395,000 ordinance/study; phase 2: $300,000 master plan).
Mr. Lakhami (staff) explained reclaimed water is highly treated effluent that can be used for nonpotable purposes such as irrigation and cooling and said expanding reuse beyond golf courses could reduce potable water peak demand, decrease capital costs for potable water plants, and provide alternative effluent disposal options.
Commissioners raised multiple concerns: whether the county has statutory authority to require reclaimed-water connections, whether developers or existing homeowners would bear costs, how the project would be funded (staff indicated the initial contract cost would come from utilities budgets), and the long proposed timeline (roughly 600 contract days, with public hearings and stakeholder workshops built in). Several commissioners also asked whether the county had discussed developer buy-in and whether the plan would be limited to new developments.
After questions and requests for legal and funding clarifications, Commissioner Thompson moved to table the item to the next meeting so staff could answer outstanding questions, and the board seconded and approved the tabling motion. Staff said they would return with details on ordinance legality, funding options, a clearer schedule and any model ordinances from other counties.
What happens next: Staff will provide legal review, alternative funding scenarios, and a refined timeline and scope for the proposed contract before the board considers authorization.
