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Council approves ordinance to replace Cedar Breaks pump station, directs use of 2024 CO bond funds
Summary
After detailed discussion of options and funding sources, Lago Vista council approved Ordinance No. 26-01-15-01 to authorize replacement of the Cedar Breaks pump station and amended the exhibit to direct staff to use the 2024 certificate of obligation bond proceeds rather than utility reserves.
The Lago Vista City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 26-01-15-01 to authorize a budget amendment for the Cedar Breaks pump-station replacement and related maintenance work, and amended the ordinance’s Exhibit A to designate the Series 2024 certificates of obligation (CO) as the funding source rather than drawing directly from utility fund reserves.
Ernesto (utilities staff) presented two approaches: Option 2, a fully contracted package with higher upfront cost and greater certainty; and Option 1, a piece-meal approach that relies more on internal staff and smaller immediate expenditures. Ernesto said some figures were rough estimates due to time constraints but that the pump house itself carries long lead times and should be ordered in advance.
Councilors debated fiscal discipline and the best source of funds. Councilor Paul Prince urged a conservative approach and asked staff to examine existing utility maintenance-and-operations (M&O) budgets before tapping bond or reserve money. Council discussion emphasized the legal constraints and allowable uses for CO bond proceeds and the desire to retain flexibility if internal budget tightening could cover costs.
Paul Prince moved an amendment to the ordinance’s Exhibit A to designate the 2024 CO bond as the funding source and to require staff to identify the specific CO account numbers that will offset the budget amendment; the amendment was seconded and approved. City staff and legal counsel said if the CO funding proves insufficient they would return to council for approval of alternate funding.
Next steps: staff will finalize account transfers or amendments as needed, order the pump house given lead times, and provide monthly progress and expenditure updates to council.
