Peru board authorizes supervisor to sign contracts, advances $9.4 million water treatment project

The Town of Peru Board voted to authorize the town supervisor to sign contracts and execute documents for the Peru water treatment plant improvements project (DWSRF number 19830), aiming to keep the $9.4 million project moving without delay. The board amended the resolution to allow the deputy supervisor to act in the supervisor's absence and approved the measure by roll call.

The action followed an update from Nate B. of AES, who told the board the project is progressing on schedule: two primary structures ' the preliminary treatment/administration building (including UV and preliminary treatment) and the water/sewer garage ' are enclosed enough to allow winter work. "The project's progressing very nicely ' schedulewise," Nate said, adding crews poured slab areas last week and are preparing further pours and subslab work. He reported cost tracking is favorable and the project has used about 3% of the contingency allowance so far.

Courtney, the town's water and sewer superintendent, said the planned additional groundwater source would be supplemental, used in the event of turbidity that the filtration system could not manage, and that the design includes an additional storage tank to increase clean-water capacity. "More storage, meaning more clean water," she said.

Board discussion noted the engineering firm's prior estimate of about $9.4 million, but members cautioned that final contract bids will determine the actual price. The board said the project qualified for hardship funding and a WEIA grant that could cover up to 50% (up to $5 million), leaving an estimated roughly $4.4 million for an interest-free hardship loan if the estimates hold.

Separately, the board adopted an order calling a public hearing to consider the project and the financing plan. The hearing is set for Feb. 23, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. in the meeting room of the Town Hall; the map, plan and estimate are on file in the clerk's office for public inspection.

Next steps: the board will take public comment at the scheduled hearing and proceed to bidding and contract awards in the coming months, subject to final approvals and loan/grant timing.