Nixa council authorizes condemnation easements for regional sewer project and approves bond planning to fund utilities
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Summary
Council authorized use of condemnation to acquire remaining easements for the West/Southwest regional sewer collection project and approved a bond 'go to market' resolution to finance the Ashley Drive water tower, sludge holding facility and the Southwest lift station (estimated ~ $19.5 million).
The Nixa City Council on Jan. 27 authorized the city to pursue condemnation for a small number of remaining easement tracts needed to build a large West Regional Collection System intended to upgrade sewer capacity for the west and southwest sections of the city.
Interim Public Works Director Travis Cassey told council staff had been negotiating easements since 2022 but had reached an impasse on four tracts and asked for authority to use condemnation to move the project forward. Cassey said the West Regional Collection System was authorized by council in 2022 and is designed to accommodate both existing customers and anticipated new development; he emphasized staff efforts to secure voluntary easements before seeking condemnation and noted the ordinance corrects a legal‑description typo (Lot 95) identified after first reading.
During the public hearing a speaker asked whether the city would minimize disruption and ensure property owners are properly compensated when condemnation is used. Mayor Jared Giddens and staff responded that condemnations follow statutory processes that include offers and payment of fair market value, that staff typically explains the process to property owners and in some cases has offered amounts above market to expedite agreements, and that restoration work will be required after construction.
Separately, the council approved a "go to market" resolution to package financing for three utility projects — the Ashley Drive water tower, a sludge holding facility and the Southwest Regional Lift Station — and to begin work with bond counsel and the municipal advisor. Finance Director Jennifer Evans estimated the combined projects could cost about $19.5 million and said staff expects to return with a bond ordinance in April and proceed with sale in May, with funding available in June.
Council voted to approve the condemnation ordinance (council bill 2026‑04) and the bond resolution (resolution 2026‑05) by roll call. Staff and council emphasized communication with affected property owners and restoration commitments if construction affects private property.
