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Lago Vista approves budget amendment for Cedar Breaks pump station, amends funding to 2024 CO bond
Summary
Council approved Ordinance No. 26-01-15-01 to add roughly $394,638 to operations and maintenance for Cedar Breaks pump station repairs and replenishment; council amended the ordinance exhibit to designate Series 2024 CO bond funds as the preferred funding source, with staff to report specific account transfers.
The Lago Vista City Council voted unanimously Jan. 14 to approve a budget amendment to address repairs and replacement work at the Cedar Breaks pump station, approving an increase in the M&O allocation and instructing staff to identify the specific account transfers. Staff presented two options: a staff‑led, phased approach (option 1) and a fully contracted option (option 2). Ernesto (city utilities staff) recommended the phased approach and presented estimated costs.
Ernesto described two estimates: a higher, all‑contractor option he cautioned was rough ("$522,354.75") and a phased approach focused on immediate needs, with the pump‑house component presented as roughly $247,242.75 and the total M&O increase presented as $394,638.01. "These are very rough estimates," Ernesto told the council about option 2 and said option 1 was more certain because staff has planned many of the repairs.
Council discussion focused on funding source and fiscal conservatism. Councilor Paul Prince urged staff to seek internal budget adjustments where possible before tapping reserves or bonds; other members noted CO bond rules and timing and expressed concern about change orders and contingency planning. City manager Charles West and legal staff confirmed staff could return to council to change funding sources if necessary.
Councilor Prince moved an amendment to exhibit A so the ordinance identified the Series 2024 CO bond as the funding source and requested staff specify the account numbers for the transfer; the motion was seconded and the amended ordinance passed unanimously.
The ordinance authorizes the work and directs staff to report back on funding movement and schedule; Ernesto said staff will provide progress reports and photos and offered to host a site visit for council during construction.
What happens next: Staff will identify the specific transfer account numbers and return documentation; work may proceed under option 1 (phased approach) to preserve staff capacity and limit change‑order risk, with council oversight on any significant contract amendments.
