Commission authorizes $143,723 contract for sewer‑overflow monitors over staff objections

The Atchison City Commission voted to authorize staff to hire Acxiom of Mission, Kansas, to install seven combined sewer overflow (CSO) flow monitors at a cost of $143,723.44, with overall project authority of $150,000 to cover change orders. The authorization passed on a 3–2 vote after commissioners debated whether to prioritize monitoring equipment or direct mitigation projects.

Public Works/Wastewater staffer Clinton McNamee said the current equipment has been unreliable and that KDHE requires accurate monthly monitoring as a condition of the city's consent order. "We have 7 locations that discharge mixed sewage and storm water into White Clay Creek or the Missouri River," McNamee said, explaining the monitors would provide the flow data KDHE expects. Several commissioners questioned whether spending $150,000 on monitors — which McNamee said would allow the city to produce reliable compliance data and document project progress — is the best use of funds. One commissioner said, "This doesn't solve any problems," and argued the city should spend on mitigation projects rather than measurements.

McNamee countered that reliable data can be used to document improvements from upstream separation projects and can support future grant applications for mitigation work. Staff said the monitors were included in the 2026 CIP with $150,000 budgeted and the Acxiom proposal of $143,723.44 fits that line item. The motion to award the contract passed with three votes in favor and two opposed; staff will proceed with procurement and installation as budget authority allows.