Dayton council hears infrastructure analysis, told environmental study and rate review are prerequisites to grant

A consultant presented a preliminary analysis of Dayton’s water, sewer and storm drainage systems at the Town Council meeting on May 19, urging the town to clarify project scope and funding before applying for grants.

Shannon McLoad summarized options for combining water, sewer and stormwater work into a single grant‑funded project or pursuing smaller, phased efforts. McLoad said the council must identify the total grant value and the town’s required investment, estimate construction and non‑construction costs, and decide whether to spread costs across residents by extending loan terms.

McLoad also listed necessary preparatory steps: an environmental study and a review of the town’s water rates. The consultant framed those elements as prerequisites to a competitive grant application and to determining how costs would be distributed among residents.

Town Manager Kurt Delzer and Clerk‑Treasurer Marc Buhrmester were present for the presentation; Buhrmester later described progress in the clerk‑treasurer transition and said staff would follow up on documentation needed to pursue grants.

The consultant’s presentation was scheduled alongside other planning items at the meeting. A planned presentation on the Heartland Estates development by Chris Limiac of BF&S was postponed to the June meeting to allow more time to finalize utility service agreements.

The council did not take a formal vote on a project scope or grant application at the meeting; members directed staff to gather the environmental and rate information McLoad said is required to proceed.