Huntertown council directs independent review of water and sewer capacity after extended debate

Huntertown’s Town Council voted to pursue an independent third‑party cost‑benefit analysis of the town’s water and sewer system following an extended discussion of capacity, prior engineering work and resident concerns about hard water and growth assumptions.

Council members raised conflicting views about whether prior engineering allowed the town to continue planned development and whether the town had effectively managed connection approvals during recent growth. Speakers asked for a clear outside review that would examine the capital‑improvement plan, current capacity and long‑term options — including continuing current improvements or considering interconnection alternatives — and to produce a public cost‑benefit analysis for residents.

A motion directing staff to begin an investigation and to solicit pricing for an independent analysis passed by roll call. Council member Tina McDonald volunteered to take the lead on coordinating the effort and to report findings at a subsequent meeting. Council members emphasized the third party should perform independent work rather than reusing deliverables from the town’s existing engineer.

The motion did not specify a vendor or a dollar figure; staff and council discussed whether the work is a professional‑services procurement requiring competitive solicitation. Council directed staff to return with options and pricing for the scope approved by the council.

Actions: motion to investigate and solicit independent third‑party analysis of water/sewer capacity (investigation directed; vendor selection to follow). Vote: motion carried by roll call.