Ottawa reports wastewater plant debt retired; 0.1% sales tax and $5 monthly surcharge end

Ottawa city officials reported Oct. 2 that related debt for the wastewater treatment plant has been retired and that the dedicated one‑tenth percent special sales tax and the monthly customer surcharge established to repay that debt will sunset.

Finance Director Landis outlined the plant's financing history, saying construction was completed in February 2004 and the project was funded through a mix of a Kansas economic development assistance grant (about $750,000), a U.S. EPA design grant, and a KDHE revolving loan later refinanced under a 2014A general obligation bond. "So we are at the end of the project payment," Landis said, and added that "the final payment was made on October 1 for the 2014A bond issue and the sales tax." He also said the Kansas Department of Revenue had been notified that Sept. 30 marked the end of the special sales tax.

Landis clarified billing timing for customers: the $5 monthly surcharge for residential customers will still appear on October bills received by customers, but it will not appear on bills issued in November. He said any remaining balance in the special sales tax fund will be applied toward related debt (the 2021A East Side sewer interceptor issue) but will not completely retire that later issue, which matures at a future date.

Landis framed the presentation as informational: no formal action was required. The commission recorded no vote on the item.

City Manager Brian then reviewed several routine city items, including a citywide cleanup on Oct. 26 (with specific tire drop‑off location and ID requirements), temporary lane closures for work related to the Hidden Lake subdivision, playground progress with an anticipated October completion window weather permitting, veterans signage placement and reminders about recycling locations. He also reiterated upcoming meeting dates and election reminders.