La Cygne weighs $3.7M–$6M sewer overhaul; council approves plan and readies rate talk with residents

BG Consultants presented the results of CCTV inspections and a preliminary engineering report showing widespread cracking, offset joints and manhole deterioration in the city’s sewer collection system. At a special meeting consultants recommended a Collection System Rehabilitation that would repair manholes, replace severely cracked mains, line pipe as needed and plug abandoned taps.

At a town-hall and council sessions BG presented three project alternatives with cost ranges (low-to-high, depending on scope and whether all service taps are rehabilitated). Paul Owings told the room their recommendation: “a Collection System Rehabilitation which included repair of manholes, replacing some segments of mains that are severally cracked or off-set and lining mains as necessary.” Council Member Keith Stoker moved to pursue Alternative #3, the most-comprehensive option (rehab manholes, clay sewer mains and all service taps, lagoon improvements, pump/station upgrades); the motion passed 4-1 and staff scheduled public outreach and a June town hall to explain rate impacts.

City Clerk Jodi Wade and BG Consultants outlined how USDA/CDBG funding could reduce the loan burden—consultants said grant components might cover as much as 40–45% in favorable scenarios—but council members were clear the project would require a meaningful rate increase for users. Council scheduled a public town-hall and public information sessions so residents could review the scenarios and proposed EDU-based rate models before a final financing application was submitted.