Edgerton authorizes $19,550 contract with Raftelis to aid renewal of rural water agreements

The City Council of Edgerton on Oct. 9 authorized a not-to-exceed $19,550 engagement with Raftelis to assist staff in renegotiating water-purchase contracts with Miami County Rural Water District No. 2 (Mi2) and Johnson County Rural Water District No. 7 (J7). Public Works Director Dan Merkh told the Council the city currently buys water from the City of Baldwin and Mi2 (with Mi2 water transported by J7) and that the Mi2 and J7 agreements both expire in 2026.

City Administrator Beth Linn said the Raftelis team helped during earlier Baldwin contract negotiations and that staff will fund the work from remaining 2025 Water Fund operating budget and unencumbered fund balance because the cost was not in the adopted 2025 or 2026 operating budgets. Mayor Donald Roberts said Raftelis had "straightened out some issues" during prior negotiations and that the firm brings industry-wide experience. Councilmember Josh Lewis asked how long supplier contracts run; Ms. Linn answered that supplier contracts are 40 years. Councilmember Lewis then moved approval; Councilmember Clay Longanecker seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

The agreement with Raftelis is billed hourly with reimbursables for technology and mileage and is aimed at modernizing rate and contract-calculation methods. Council and staff stressed that the work would produce a clearer, more transparent agreement that future staff and elected officials can apply.