Council approves wastewater plant contract amid debate over $14 million cost increase

The Independence City Council on July 27 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign the contract and associated performance and payment bonds for modifications to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, despite council debate over higher-than-anticipated bids.

During discussion, a council member argued residents cannot afford additional costs, saying, “They can't afford it,” and urged the council to reconsider cutting the project back rather than proceeding. City staff and other council members countered that delays or rebidding would likely increase costs further; one council supporter said projects in other cities have similarly come in above budget and that costs generally rise 4–5% per year.

Council also approved setting a public hearing on Aug. 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to consider entering a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement to borrow a principal amount not to exceed $56,000,658. The chair clarified that the July 27 action only sets the hearing date and does not finalize loan terms.

On the contract resolution, the roll-call vote was 6 in favor and 1 opposed (Appleby). The discussion repeatedly returned to whether the project should be scaled back now that bids were reported to be “about $14,000,000 up” from earlier estimates and whether delaying would reduce or increase taxpayer costs.

Next steps: the financing proposal will be the subject of the Aug. 10 public hearing; final contract execution will proceed following any required post-hearing actions and the city manager’s signature if council ratifies moving forward.