Barnesville approves sewer repairs, awards North Trunk Line contract and adopts bond financing
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Summary
Barnesville accepted the low bid for North Trunk Line sewer repairs, approved bond financing (Series 2024 water/sewer revenue bonds) and adopted water/sewer rate increases to support debt service. Engineers warned of trunk-line deterioration and the council approved a competitive bond sale.
Barnesville officials moved forward this year to address long-documented sewer infrastructure problems, awarding a contract for the North Trunk Line and adopting bond financing to pay for repairs.
City engineers from Carter & Sloope presented data in a May 29 workshop showing repeated spills and structural problems along trunk sewers; they recommended replacement of critical segments. Financial advisor Tony King presented options and said the city’s A rating allowed favorable terms in a competitive sale.
On September 3 the council accepted the apparent low bid for North Trunk Line replacement from McLeroy (approximately $2.5 million) and on Oct. 25 adopted Ordinance No. 616, authorizing issuance of Water & Sewerage Revenue Bonds, Series 2024. Council also adopted Ordinance No. 614 earlier in July to adjust water and sewer rates in 2024–27 to meet debt-coverage requirements.
Acting City Manager Tammy D. York said the upgrades are intended to reduce overflows, improve system reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs. "We're pursuing financing that reduces interest expense and positions the city to replace failing mains," York said at the bond meeting. Bond counsel and rating agencies confirmed a competitive sale that yielded favorable pricing.
The contract award and bond adoption followed statutory steps the council documented in public meetings, including a public inducement resolution, bid evaluation and the formal bond ordinance. Work scheduling, right-of-way access and construction phasing were left to staff and the selected contractor; the council instructed staff to prioritize communications with affected residents and to seek grant/waiver opportunities where feasible.
Next steps include finalizing construction timelines, securing necessary easements, and contractor mobilization. The council also approved administrative steps to invest city receipts prudently during construction and to update customers on rate changes.