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Oxford City Council debates scaled sewer-plant upgrades as SRF loan is discussed
Summary
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Oxford City Council heard engineer and public-works recommendations to scale a planned sewer-plant upgrade to maintain DNR compliance; council directed staff to gather usage data while a councilor opposed a previously proposed $4 million project.
At a Nov. 12 meeting at Oxford City Hall, the Oxford City Council discussed options to address wastewater-treatment capacity while noting the plant currently meets Iowa Department of Natural Resources requirements. The council heard technical recommendations from the city engineer and public-works director and agreed to gather more information before committing to a specific project.
The city engineer (Ben) told the council that DNR reports indicate Oxford is in compliance but warned of a financing deadline: if the council declines to move forward with any project, the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan tied to the plan would need repayment within 36 months, he said. Public works director Scot Wetjen recommended proceeding with a scaled project focused on maintaining capacity rather than pursuing growth-oriented expansion.
Scot outlined options intended to increase reliability on heavy-rain days and improve treatment capacity without the previously discussed full-build proposal. His suggestions included adding two sequencing batch reactor (SBR) tanks, resizing the lift-station pump, adding one drying bed and installing a new screening system. Scot also said he will provide current plant drawings and usage numbers for the council to review and will contact the Iowa Rural Water Association about smoke testing to locate infiltration.
Councilor Walters expressed strong opposition to what she described as a roughly $4 million proposal discussed by a prior council, saying taxpayers had been misled and that the city does not need to spend that amount to remain in compliance. "I don't believe we need a $4 million sewer project," Walters said, praising Wetjen's plant maintenance and urging a more conservative approach.
Mayor Heather Johnson said the council needs to ensure Oxford remains in compliance and maintained but emphasized the focus should be on what is necessary to preserve the town rather than pursuing growth. Councilor Cooling said the council should consider smaller-scale interventions and tests first.
No formal decision was made at the meeting. The SRF loan was described as available to cover whichever option the council selects. The next step directed by the council is for Scot to supply usage and system data to help the council weigh scaled modifications versus a larger project.
The council later convened and closed a public hearing on the SRF loan with no public comments; staff will return with technical detail and cost estimates for future consideration.
