East Bethel backs state bonding requests to bring water and sewer to two elementary schools

The East Bethel City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting House File 5189 and Senate File 5309, companion bills that seek roughly $10.5 million in state funds to construct municipal water and sewer infrastructure to serve East Bethel Elementary and Cedar Creek Elementary.

City Administrator Matt Look explained the bills are state-level requests that, if funded, would pay for a water tower, water treatment, piping and related lift-station work needed to connect the schools to city utilities. He told the council the project has been scoped by the city engineer and that the existing force main has capacity for additional hookups.

Council discussion revisited past sewer and water projects that placed debt burdens on residents and raised concerns about possible mandatory hookups under state law. Staff noted that the bills are an "ask" to the state and that, if awarded, the state would fund the project rather than the city issuing its own bonds. Councilmember Deroche voted in the negative when the final motion to adopt resolution 2024-32 was taken; the record shows the motion carried with the remainder voting in favor.

Council members pressed staff on contingency plans if bids exceed the $10.5 million estimate and were told the city could decline the award or ask the school district for contributions in that scenario. Staff also pointed to an existing school letter of support from Superintendent Kirsten Ashton included in the packet.

The council agreed to forward the resolution of support so city representatives could testify before relevant state committees if the bills proceed.