Belmont directs engineering work and approves $215,000 for South Belmont sewer evaluation

Belmont City Council unanimously directed staff Oct. 7 to negotiate and execute an agreement with Willis Engineers for an evaluation and surveying phase related to South Belmont wastewater infrastructure, and approved a $215,000 budget amendment to fund that phase.

Public Works Director Jonathan Wilson said the city contracted Withers Ravenel in 2023 to perform a sewer system capacity analysis focused on South Belmont and the South Point collection system. That analysis identified the Morgan’s Branch Pump Station as vulnerable to sanitary‑sewer overflows in larger storms. Staff requested Willis Engineers perform a phase‑one evaluation and surveying to refine options, support detailed design, and allow the city to develop an accurate construction estimate.

Council members confirmed the $215,000 will be covered by anticipated state‑directed grants tied to a previously awarded $10 million fund for water and sewer priorities. Wilson emphasized this $215,000 covers evaluation and surveying only; full engineering and construction costs will be determined after phase‑one and could be substantially larger.

Council approved two related motions: direction to staff to work with Willis Engineers on a contract and approval of the $215,000 budget amendment. Both motions passed unanimously.

Next steps: Willis Engineers will complete the evaluation and surveying; staff will return to council with design options, cost estimates and a proposed schedule for construction and funding. Council also indicated it will re‑examine priorities for the $10 million state grant as the sewer project moves forward.