Blair council approves water-system revenue bonds and a series of utility purchases

City staff reported on cost overruns and additional needs for ongoing water projects and presented two ordinances authorizing water-system revenue bonds. Phil Green and operations staff said additional funding would cover the industrial water main overruns and the lime solids/outfall work. Council suspended the three-day reading rule and passed Ordinance 2601 (not to exceed $26 million) and Ordinance 2602 (not to exceed $5 million), both payable from water-system revenues and promissory-note arrangements with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment.

Staff noted that roughly 75% of water usage and the related revenue for these projects comes from industrial customers under long-term contracts and that bond repayment will be covered by utility rates rather than property taxes. Separately, Council approved Resolution 2025-148 to purchase two traffic-camera counters (approx. $20,389) to replace tube counters and Resolution 2025-149 to purchase a utility truck (low bid Woodhouse Ford ~$64,918) for the utility department; both were approved by committee and the full council.

Council also amended and adopted a service agreement with Gateway Development/Chamber (Resolution 2025-146): compensation was increased in the amendment from $30,000 to $40,000 and the contract term was shortened from five years to one year (annual renewal) to allow re-evaluation. Finally, Council adopted Resolution 2025-150 authorizing a fee agreement with Adams and Sullivan to continue litigation support.

The ordinances and resolutions were adopted by recorded voice as "all members present voting aye."