Hillsborough conditionally backs buoy monitoring project, asks manager to keep negotiating

Morgan Marler, Hillsborough’s water and sewer superintendent, briefed the council on a buoy monitoring pilot the city has used to get 12‑hour advance warnings of water‑quality declines at the Marion Reservoir. "The buoys provide us real time data at the plant so that we can have a 12 hour heads up," Morgan Marler said.

Marler said federal funding cuts forced the Kansas Water Office to reduce support; the state agency is offering $20,000 if Marion and Hillsborough each contribute $20,000. The council discussed options for short‑term funding, whether Peabody (a water customer) can contribute, and solicited Marion County’s participation. Council passed a motion for contingent acceptance of the project based on availability of funds and partner contributions, and separately authorized Marler to continue conversations with Marion County, the City of Marion and the City of Peabody to secure commitments and any needed shared‑use agreements.

Marler framed the monitoring as a cost‑saver over time because it reduces chemical and emergency labor costs by improving the plant’s ability to anticipate contamination events. Council asked staff to seek clarifying cost commitments from Peabody and Marion and to return with progress updates at or before the administration’s next regular presentation.