Perry council signs off on loan applications and grant filings for major water upgrades

City of Perry council members voted to authorize multiple loan-application resolutions and a USDA grant application as the city pursues funding for water and wastewater projects.

An engineering representative from Adora told the council the city has a preapproved Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award and said, "So that gives the city another $25,000,000 towards the treatment plan and towards the [veil] upgrade." The consultant said additional grant awards are listed in the council packet and that three State Revolving Fund (SRF) resolutions and applications are in front of the council to permit staff to submit applications; the resolutions themselves authorize the mayor to sign application documents and do not in and of themselves create a repayment obligation for the city.

Councilors approved a set of SRF-related resolutions that, according to the resolution language read at the meeting, make findings, authorize loan applications and agreements, establish pledged revenues where required, designate authorized representatives and provide required assurances and conflict/severability language. During discussion staff emphasized that passing the resolutions allows the mayor to execute applications and related documents so the city can move to the next step in securing construction funding.

Council also added and approved a USDA grant resolution (2026-11) authorizing the city to offer indebtedness "in an amount not to exceed $15,597,677" to finance eligible improvements if the financing structure moves forward. The resolution designates the city manager as an authorized representative to sign application materials and related documents.

Councilors pressed staff on timing and next steps. The engineering representative said a new test well will be drilled at the end of the month and recommended completing that test before committing to purchase land for the well site. Staff also said other grant applications are planned over the next three to four months and that some funding would be used for related repairs and equipment.

The council approved the SRF resolutions and the USDA grant application authorization by voice vote with members recorded as voting in favor during roll call.

What happens next: staff will submit the SRF and USDA application materials, conduct the test well, and return to council with contract documents and any additional details needed before construction work begins.