V & K consultant tells Sabula council the wastewater plant needs an upgrade

Leo Foley of engineering firm V & K told the Sabula City Council on Oct. 22 that the city must commit to upgrading its wastewater treatment plant.

“We need to commit to a WWTP upgrade. We really have no option, whether it be the whole plant or split it up and prioritize what needs addressed first,” Foley said, according to the meeting transcript. He told the council the plant has been “cobbled up for so long” and identified grant and loan programs as possible funding sources, but emphasized eligibility and available funds will determine what the city can pursue.

The update was delivered as an informational presentation; the council took no formal action to approve a specific project or financing plan at the meeting. City staff later confirmed there was no motion on the WWTP during the session.

Why it matters: The wastewater treatment plant serves Sabula residents and any major upgrade could affect local rates, capital budgets and timelines for environmental compliance. Foley’s recommendation — to choose either a wholesale replacement or a phased set of repairs and upgrades — frames the primary options the city will need to study and fund before construction can begin.

What was said: Foley described the plant’s condition and said the city should prioritize repairs or pursue a full upgrade. He noted funding is available from multiple sources but did not name specific programs in the recorded remarks; the council did not adopt a financing plan or direct staff to pursue a particular grant during this meeting.

Next steps: The council was informed of the project status and did not vote on upgrades; further study and a future formal action will be required to commit funds or begin procurement.