WPCA outlines multi-million rehabilitation plan, bond-funded pump replacements

Bill Brink, speaking for the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), presented the WPCA’s FY26–27 capital requests and an anticipated revenue bond for a major pump-and-operations upgrade. Brink said recurring capital needs at the treatment plant include $350,000 for pumps and equipment, $100,000 for HVAC, $200,000 for roof repairs, $150,000 for a fuel storage tank for a generator that powers raw sewage pumps, and $300,000 for sludge-dryer equipment, totaling approximately $1,100,000 for the coming fiscal year.

Brink described a recommended sewer rehabilitation program driven by a recent sewer system evaluation survey by engineering consultants. The survey identified numerous locations requiring lining, joint repairs and manhole work; Brink asked for $2,450,000 next fiscal year to address infiltration and inflow reduction as a priority to reduce treatment plant flow during storm events.

He also described an anticipated revenue bond that would add roughly $4.7 million to an earlier authorization of about $9.9 million for a major plant project. The additional work would cover replacement of return sludge pumps, waste-activated sludge pumps, plant water pumps, motor control center replacement and upgrades to the operations building (including replacement of boilers). Brink said the revenue bonds would be repaid from WPCA-collected revenues and do not count toward the city’s safety limit.

Board members confirmed the WPCA bond debt is revenue-supported and asked no substantive questions; Brink said the bonds are funded solely by WPCA revenues and not by the city’s general obligation capacity.

Brink closed noting that some project increases reflect inflation-driven scope adjustments identified during design.