City manager previews $19M water project and warns staffing, access disputes could jeopardize funding
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Summary
City staff previewed a proposed $19 million drinking‑water project that has $9.5 million in initial funding and warned that a delayed County Road 236 wastewater lift‑station due to an access dispute and vacancies in finance and public works could threaten project timelines and compliance with auditors.
City Manager and staff told the High Springs City Commission on Feb. 12 that an upcoming drinking‑water project estimated at $19 million has secured roughly $9.5 million in initial funding and will be presented in more detail at the next meeting.
The city manager said the project will loop the system, add a well and increase overhead storage to improve pressure and support additional development; staff said the project is in concept and further funding work is required to make up the remaining $9.5 million.
At the same time, officials warned of two operational risks: the city currently has no permanent finance director and its public works director has resigned, and a County Road 236 wastewater project is delayed by an access dispute with a neighboring property owner. Staff said attorneys are negotiating with the property owner and the engineer to find a solution but cautioned that redesigns to move a lift station could be costly and risk funding deadlines.
"We are really behind and really delayed and I'm to the point where I'm nervous about the funding," the city manager said, noting attorneys and engineers planned to meet next week to seek an amicable solution. Commissioners said delays could force some residents to replace septic systems before the sewer becomes available and asked staff to examine interim options.
Consultant Mike Neal (Woodard & Curran) described how state funding programs, such as the SRF, commonly tie allowable engineering fees to a percentage of construction value and how capacity charges and development agreements can be required by lenders, citing Newberry as an example where capacity charges rose to support bonding for a much larger plant.
Staff said auditors have been given access to the city’s financial system and that JLAC granted a short extension while staff pursues recruitment and temporary finance assistance; the commission discussed seeking temporary contract support from organizations such as the GFOA while it hires a permanent finance director.
Commissioners asked staff to provide timeline updates and to return with additional details at the next meeting, including the drinking‑water presentation and an update on the 236 wastewater access negotiation.
