Evansville council approves $3.1 million water note, multiple contracts and housing measures; Pride-flag proclamation removed from agenda

The Evansville Common Council approved a series of financial and project measures at its March 10 meeting, including authorization to issue a Water System Revenue Bond Anticipation Note, acceptance of the February 2026 city bills and multiple contracts and special assessments.

In the meeting’s most consequential financial action, alderpersons voted 6-0 to authorize Resolution #2026-07 to issue and sell a Water System Revenue Bond Anticipation Note, Series 2026A, for up to $3,095,000. Greg Johnson of Ehler’s told the council the note would carry a maximum three-year term and that the size of the borrowing and the interest rate were lower than previous financing options.

The council also approved acceptance of February 2026 city bills totaling $3,331,992.54 (motion by Alderperson Abbey Barnes, seconded by Alderperson Bill Lathrop). Lathrop noted that roughly $2.1 million of the total reflected tax settlements that were collected and distributed on behalf of local schools and the county.

Other contracts and agreements approved on unanimous roll calls included: - Wind Turbine Annual Maintenance and Service Agreement (Option B) with All Energy Management. - A farmland rental agreement with S & K Ag Corp. - A three-year Daupler Response Management System contract (through Feb. 10, 2029); Municipal Services Director Scott Kriebs said the three-year deal is less expensive than the prior one-year contract and adds interactive reporting and backend reporting functions for residents and staff. - A revised State/Municipal financial agreement for a State-LET highway project and a contract with Destree Design Architects to repair windows/doors and toilet rooms at the Evansville Camp Store (partly covered by hailstorm insurance).

The council also adopted two resolutions assessing public improvement costs to benefited properties: Resolution #2026-08 (Cherry St., Mill St., Railroad St., North Madison St., Garfield Ave., Brown School Rd.) and Resolution #2026-09 (Water Street). Town & Country Engineering’s Nick Bubolz summarized the scope and the work completed for the projects.

Why it matters: the bond authorization and the special assessments move planned capital and street improvements forward. The city’s approval of the large bills and multiple contracts reflects both routine operating expense and capital financing activity; the council noted that some items (tax settlements) drive much of the monthly total.

Council procedure and other business: before other agenda items were heard the council approved a revised agenda that removed one mayoral proclamation from consideration (see separate article). The meeting also included routine approvals such as acceptance of revised minutes from Feb. 11, 2025, and first readings of two ordinances related to rezoning and administrative code amendments. Mayor Dianne Duggan reminded members to follow Robert’s Rules and to coordinate through committee chairs when appropriate.

Next steps: the bond anticipation note is authorized; staff will proceed with sale/issuance consistent with the terms outlined by Ehler’s. Several projects approved at the meeting proceed to implementation stages handled by the responsible departments and contractors; special-assessment notices and schedules typically follow engineering finalization and statutory notice procedures.