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Commissioners reallocate FY26 water/wastewater capital savings, approve KCI work for Millington project and move to secure Millington discharge site
Summary
Dan Mattson and staff told commissioners FY26 water/wastewater projects came in under budget; the board approved reallocating savings to near-term projects (Wharton piping repair; mini excavator purchase), approved KCI work assignments totaling $63,700 (PDR update $30,000; wetland delineation $33,700) funded by Upper Shore Regional grants, and adopted resolutions to purchase property for the Millington regional wastewater discharge. The board also held a closed session to discuss recapturing EDUs and directed staff to proceed.
County public-works director Dan Mattson and wastewater consultant Mike Molta told Kent County commissioners that FY26 capital projects have generated savings that can fund additional near-term water and wastewater work without new county appropriation.
Mattson asked the board to add two capital lines to complete a Wharton Water Treatment Plant piping repair (estimated about $25,000) and the purchase of a mini excavator to improve operational response; he said those items could be covered by reallocated FY26 capital funds and would reduce FY27 requests. Commissioner (speaker 7) moved and the board approved reallocation of FY26 funds and authorized the public-works director to reallocate funds among capital lines to meet contractual requirements.
The board also approved two KCI work assignments tied to the Millington regional wastewater treatment plant: $30,000 to update the preliminary engineering and environmental reports to satisfy recent USDA review comments and $33,700 to perform a wetland delineation study required for permitting conveyance and discharge lines. Mattson said grant funding from the Upper Shore Regional Council will cover both assignments.
Separately, staff presented and the commissioners adopted resolutions to purchase unimproved property that will serve as the discharge site for the Millington facility (resolutions 2026-05 and 2026-06). Commissioners discussed the Millington site’s prior flood risk as one reason for moving the plant and confirmed the county is aiming to close the purchase and finalize transactions in coming weeks.
During public comment, Melinda Bookwalter described a failed septic system on a Millington-area property. Commissioners discussed temporarily reallocating one EDU from a seller’s reserved allocation to allow an immediate connection; staff said the issue will be addressed in writing and incorporated into the pending purchase agreement and that a final resolution is expected around the scheduled closing date. The board then entered a closed session to consult with counsel about potential recapture of unused EDUs; after returning to open session, commissioners reported staff was directed to proceed as discussed.
