Minto council agrees to pursue Walsh regional water plant upgrade as costs vary widely

The Minto City Council agreed on Jan. 13 to pursue an upgrade to the Walsh Regional Water Supply & Treatment Plant after a presenter outlined four different plans with widely varying costs to the city.

Brad Narloch told the council the cost to Minto would depend on the plan chosen, “ranging from $102,703 to $862,450.” Council members discussed scope and financing but did not commit to a specific design. The council agreed it was in the city’s best interest to move forward with some type of upgrade and authorized Narloch to pursue next steps, including asking KLJ to attend a future meeting to answer technical questions.

The discussion established next steps rather than a final decision: the council did not select a plan or adopt funding sources at the Jan. 13 meeting. Council members and city staff noted the upgrade could affect the city budget and that options for local funding—discussed elsewhere on the agenda as a possible sales-tax ballot measure for 2026—would be explored before any final commitment.

City Attorney Samantha Onstad will work with staff on procedural steps for future consideration, and Mr. Narloch will arrange for KLJ to present detailed cost, timeline and scope options at a subsequent meeting. The council’s action on Jan. 13 was recorded as an authorization to pursue the upgrade and obtain technical briefings rather than approval of a specific contract or expenditure.

The upgrade discussion will return to a future council meeting once KLJ and staff provide more detailed cost estimates and funding options.