Augusta approves partnership with Butler Rural Water District No. 5 to bring water and hydrants to Santa Fe Lake

The Augusta City Council approved an agreement with Butler Rural Water District No. 5 to extend water service and add fire hydrant capacity at Santa Fe Lake.

City staff described a partnership in which Butler Rural Water District No. 5 would supply pipeline materials, perform required boring on several difficult sections (estimated at about 1,000 feet of boring), and cover material costs, while the city would contribute trenching labor and limited equipment rental. "The idea behind the partnership was, if we would provide the labor to do the trenching, then they would put those materials in and charge us our tap fees to get connected," Speaker 11 explained.

Caretaker Rod Davis, invited to the podium to discuss field conditions, said the district would assist with boring and install a main meter and one or two hydrants near the caretaker area. Davis estimated trencher rental would run roughly $1,000–$2,000 and described the main-line work as a 2026 project, with campsite service connections budgeted for 2027. "This will be a 4 inch line that'll have a lot more capacity and abilities," Davis said.

Speakers discussed costs in the record in two places: staff reported that the district indicated about "$5,060,000 plus in materials" in one exchange but also described the district as covering approximately $40,000 in materials and the borings; council and staff later summarized Butler Rural would provide roughly $40,000 worth of pipe and associated materials while the city provides labor. The transcript contains inconsistent numerical references on the materials figure; the agreement in the packet and final contract should be consulted for the precise material-cost figure.

Staff said meter installation and hydrants would provide improved firefighting capability at the lake where engines previously filled from the water, and that the city would consider fee adjustments after amenities are added. Speaker 8 said monthly minimum charges for meter service would apply ("think it's about $160 a month"), and that staff expects to return in 2026 to adjust fees once the project delivers service.

Speaker 10 moved to approve the agreement and authorize Mayor Rawlings to sign; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said the partnership reduces the city's up-front material costs while providing the labor to complete installation.