Officials warn of aging Patoka Lake treatment plant and say 2026 road work will cover fewer miles

Pat Seger, the county appointee to the Patoka Lake Regional Water and Sewer District, told the council that one of the district's water plants (Plant 2) is aging and will need upgrades, and that water rates will increase to cover work; he said the district’s sewer package plants date to 1979 and encouraged council members to tour the facilities.

Highway Superintendent Donnie Lueken reviewed Community Crossings grant figures: in 2025 contractor bids totaled $2,166,938 (state share $1,625,203; county match $541,000). For 2026 he said expected bids total about $1,128,000 with a state share of $902,000 and county match of $225,000. Lueken said the lower available match will result in less hot-mix paving in 2026 — approximately 7 to 8 miles.

Lueken also requested $400,000 from the Cum Cap Fund to purchase highway equipment and dump trucks; the council reached a consensus to advertise that request for formal action at a subsequent meeting.

Separately, President Michael Kluesner presented a repair quote from Krempp Construction (time and materials, not to exceed $27,870) to fix water seepage and damaged drywall in Community Corrections’ six-pod bathroom. The council agreed to advertise an additional appropriation from the LIT-CR tax to fund the repairs.

Council members said the constraints on matching dollars mean crews will repave fewer miles when compared with 2025; no final contracts or additional appropriations for the Cum Cap equipment were approved at the Jan. 21 meeting — the items were advertised for a later meeting.