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Leonardtown approves budget increase for wastewater project, OKs 10‑year water‑tower warranty
Summary
Council authorized a $155,131.50 increase to cover sludge‑removal overruns for the wastewater treatment expansion and authorized staff to negotiate a 10‑year extended warranty/inspection program for the new Meadowtown Run water tower with a maximum 5% annual escalation tied to an index.
Town staff told the Leonardtown Town Council that sludge removal for the ongoing wastewater treatment plant expansion exceeded the vendor’s original estimate by $155,131.50 because of project delays and additional pump‑outs; council approved a budget amendment (BA2026‑111) to cover the cost using available reserves.
"The actual cost exceeded the vendor's original estimate by $155,131.50 due to the project delays and additional pumpouts," staff reported. Officials said the project is nearly complete and that the increased expense leaves the work just under 1% over the original budget when change orders are included.
Separately, council authorized staff to negotiate and execute a 10‑year extended warranty and inspection contract for the newly constructed Meadowtown Run water tower. Staff described a vendor program that would perform annual interior and exterior inspections, periodic remote‑operated vehicle interior inspections so the tank need not be emptied, and scheduled maintenance such as draining and cleaning. The program's first‑year price was presented at roughly $17,872, with contract language to cap annual escalation at a maximum of 5% tied to a specified index (council recommended tying escalation to CPI).
Supporters said regular inspections and preventive maintenance could identify problems early and help avoid larger repairs later. Council voted to approve BA2026‑111 and authorized staff to finalize the extended‑warranty contract with the indicated escalation limit.
