Camp Verde authorizes contract with Sustainability Partners for Black Bridge wastewater extension; monthly usage fee cited

The Camp Verde Town Council on July 2 authorized the Town Manager to execute a Master Utilities Services Agreement with Sustainability Partners to construct an extension of the town’s wastewater system in and around the Black Bridge area.

Finance Director Michael Showers described the agreement as an alternative financing and delivery model that lets the town have the capital improvement completed without the town directly managing procurement, financing, and long-term asset risk. Showers said the town would pay a monthly usage fee over the life of the asset and that no payments to Sustainability Partners would be required until the project was complete and ready for use; he stated the monthly payment fee will be $11,650.

Andrew Myers of Sustainability Partners presented the company’s role and approach. Town staff — including the Town Manager, Town Attorney, Utilities Director Jeff Low and Finance staff — answered council questions about payments, budgetary impacts and asset management.

Councilor Jessie Murdock moved to authorize the Town Manager to sign the agreement, seconded by Councilor Brian Bolton. The roll call recorded five ayes, one abstention (Councilor Robin Godwin), and Vice Mayor Wendy Escoffier absent: Bolton — aye; Seybold — aye; Foreman — aye; Murdock — aye; Godwin — abstain; Mayor Moore — aye. The motion carried 5-0 (one abstention recorded). The contract uses a usage-fee structure and places ongoing payments in the town’s budget for the life of the asset.

Next steps: staff are authorized to finalize legal addenda and execute the master agreement with Sustainability Partners.