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Albany board reviews stormwater project list and funding options
Summary
Utility staff presented five prioritized stormwater projects (Shannon Pond, Valencia, South Madison/Alice, Old Dawson North/Dumblegate, smaller neighborhood pond), estimated costs and timing; board discussed funding from stormwater reserves, SPLOST and whether to buy flood‑prone homes.
Utility staff gave a project‑by‑project update on the city’s stormwater portfolio at the Dec. 15 meeting and asked the board to prioritize limited stormwater funds.
Staff described five candidate projects: Shannon Pond (northwest Albany) estimated at $500,000 and ready for bid; Valencia (gravity line) at $460,000 and about 90% designed but awaiting confirmation of an existing water main; South Madison/Alice pond and trail ($1.46 million total including trail costs) that involves property‑ownership and easement questions; Old Dawson/North Dumblegate intersection improvements (around $600,000) and a smaller recreation/drainage pond (design complete, ~$212,960). For each project staff listed current design status, right‑of‑way or title issues and prospective bid windows (many in early to mid‑2026).
Staff said the stormwater enterprise has more than 180 days of reserves (over $500,000) and roughly $500,000 available from SPLOST; the fund could responsibly support additional spending up to roughly $2 million without breaching finance policy thresholds, according to the finance presenter. Staff recommended Shannon Pond and South Madison/Alice be prioritized because of project readiness and existing easements.
Board members asked whether the city caused or contributed to localized flooding (one member noted past commercial work altered drainage patterns) and discussed alternatives such as purchasing repeatedly‑flooded houses versus making infrastructure improvements. Commissioners also emphasized the need for a comprehensive stormwater master plan to identify systemic priorities rather than addressing sites piecemeal.
Staff said some projects are ready to go to bid as early as January–April 2026; others require resolution of title or easement questions before construction. The board asked staff to provide a definitive, itemized funding proposal that separates purely stormwater needs from recreation or trail enhancements and to bring a recommended funding package to the City Commission for approval.
The presentation closed with staff reporting progress on catch basin cleaning and an internal app to track maintenance; staff said roughly 750 catch basins were cleaned in the last two months and that inspectors verify a sample of contractor work.
Board members asked staff to return with precise cost breakdowns and with a proposed stormwater master‑planning approach so the commission can consider an integrated capital program.
