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Commissioners debate Westgate water tower grant and local control; RDC commit of $1M noted, topic tabled
Summary
County staff sought approval of a joint letter of intent to apply to the EDA for a Westgate water tower and said the Daviess County Redevelopment Commission committed $1 million toward construction match; several commissioners raised concerns about control over engineer/contractor selection and communications with the RDC, and the item was tabled for further review.
County officials presented a draft joint letter of intent with the Daviess County Redevelopment Commission to apply to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a Westgate water tower, informing the commissioners that the RDC has committed $1 million as the construction match and that about $20,000 of preliminary engineering funds are needed immediately.
Staff explained the application is being pursued under coal‑impacted community funding within EDA (which can enable larger grants) and that seven other projects are seeking similar funds. Officials noted the grant could allow a larger award than typical EDA programs and that soft costs for engineering would be held outside the construction budget until after award and procurement.
Several commissioners said they support building the tower to address water needs but expressed strong concern about the degree of contractor and engineer selection control the county would retain if the RDC or an outside developer drives the design and bids. One commissioner said they could not support committing funds without clearer assurances about who chooses the engineer and contractor. Staff acknowledged communication gaps between RDC members and the commissioners and agreed to table the request until the next meeting so all commissioners can review documentation and clarify who will be the applicant and what controls the county will retain.
The board voted to table the item and requested additional information on the applicant designation, the RDC’s use of Westgate TIF funds, details on engineering selection and the construction procurement process. Staff also was asked to follow up on a related request from landowners about moving a Duke Energy line that runs near a 26‑acre parcel tied to a proposed road project.
