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Oxford council approves Phase 3 redesign and seeks SRF planning-loan extension for wastewater upgrade
Summary
Council voted unanimously June 17 to proceed with a Phase 3 redesign of a wastewater treatment upgrade and to request an extension of an SRF planning and design loan; the plan may reduce the number of new SBR tanks pending DNR approval and includes a Phase 3 cost estimate of roughly $0.5–$1 million.
The Oxford City Council voted unanimously on June 17, 2025, to proceed with a Phase 3 redesign of a wastewater treatment plant upgrade and to request an extension of its SRF (State Revolving Fund) planning and design loan.
At the meeting, a presenter identified as Ben reviewed current plans, a project cost estimate and a schedule for upgrading the city’s wastewater plant under the SRF planning effort. Ben described a multi‑stage approach: Stage 2 would add a lift station; Phase 3 would add new sequencing batch reactor (SBR) tanks. He said original plans called for two new SBR tanks but that Wetjen indicated one tank might suffice for an addition to the existing structure; that change would require approval from the DNR before moving forward.
Ben said the Phase 3 cost estimate is roughly $0.5 million to $1 million. He also noted that a new generator had been included in the estimate but that the city might defer a generator purchase to Phase 3. Ben said he would work with a subcontracted engineer, Jeff Reinhart, and that some elements may change after consultation with a subcontracted electrical engineer. Public Works Director Scot spoke with Ben during the discussion.
Councilmember Hennes questioned the engineering fee and the timeline, noting an 8–10 week estimate for the subcontracting engineer; Ben said eight weeks would be the fastest possible turnaround and discussed crediting previously spent funds against the estimate. Wetjen said the project would be a beneficial improvement. Following discussion, Hennes moved to proceed with the Phase 3 redesign and to request an extension of the SRF planning and design loan; Councilmember Volk seconded and the council approved the motion unanimously.
Next steps recorded in the meeting minutes include pursuing the loan extension and seeking DNR confirmation on whether a single SBR tank can meet regulatory guidelines for an addition to the existing structure. Budget and schedule details may be refined after subcontractor review and DNR input.
