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Belpre council fast-tracks applications for state water loan and OPWC paving funds
Summary
Council unanimously approved Resolution 12 to apply for a WSRLA water loan and Resolution 13 to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission funding for paving, suspending rules to allow immediate second and third readings; both resolutions passed Aug. 26.
Belpre City Council unanimously approved two resolutions Aug. 26 to pursue state financing for water and street projects.
Mr. Ferguson introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) loan to plan, design or construct water facilities and to designate a dedicated repayment source. Council suspended council rules to permit immediate second and third readings and approved the measure as Resolution 12, 2024-2025.
Mr. Locke introduced a separate resolution authorizing the mayor to prepare and submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for state capital and local transportation improvement funds and to execute any required contracts. Council likewise suspended rules and passed that measure as Resolution 13, 2024-2025 to seek funding for the paving projects discussed by the Streets Committee.
Why it matters: The resolutions preserve the city’s eligibility to secure low-cost state financing for water infrastructure and to compete for OPWC grants/loans for repaving projects. Mayor Abdella also said the city is starting loan documents for a water tower and that engineering for a Well 2 rehabilitation is near completion, items that would be funded in part by the types of financing referenced in the resolutions.
Vote: The transcript records that "a vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye" when each resolution was advanced and then passed. The clerk’s permanent minutes should reflect the formal roll-call totals.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with application materials and required contract execution if awards are offered; the resolutions do not by themselves obligate final borrowing until the city accepts loan terms and design contracts are approved.
