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Council discusses annexation, water service and MCWC capacity near new development
Summary
Council discussed water service options for an annexed area, including whether to meter customers or continue service through MCWC; staff noted potential revenue from a ready-mix plant and MCWC peak usage of about 80,000 gallons on busy days.
Council members discussed water service for an annexed area and the implications of continuing service through Minnehaha County Water Cooperative (MCWC) versus installing a city meter and assuming infrastructure responsibilities.
The Chair and staff said annexation created a courtesy arrangement for service but that future infrastructure decisions should consider whether the existing pipes are adequately sized and whether the city wants to assume debt or buy out MCWC infrastructure. A staff speaker reported that a large user (a ready-mix plant) might use about 80,000 gallons on peak days, and the city noted it holds capacity commitments (the transcript referenced a maximum contract capacity figure of about 420,000 gallons per day while actual typical use was discussed in the 125,000–170,000 range).
Council directed staff to do more due diligence, contact MCWC to gather information on buyout terms and metering options, and consider timing with planned road and infrastructure work next summer to determine the most advantageous approach.
