City updates timeline and cost for Country Lane well; ARPA funds proposed to help pay

Don (S6) told the council that BK (Bee Caves Drilling) successfully plugged the old Country Lane well and will submit the required plugging report to the state and the local groundwater district.

He updated the contract figures: the drilling contract previously shown near $195,000 was invoiced at $138,000 for the new well, but after adding fence relocation, about 40 feet of 4-inch onsite piping and new wiring to the wellhead, Don estimated the project at about $161,000. Don said the frac tank delivery is the critical path and that BK could mobilize next week for a 4–5 day drilling schedule. He projected the well could be operational and supplying water by January 2025, with as-built plans and TCEQ filings to follow.

Chair (S3) said the city has about $66,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds that could be obligated to partially pay for the project and noted the Treasury requires documentation of use and an obligation deadline. Council members asked about remaining contracting steps; Don said pipeline and electrical work will likely use separate subcontractors and that final invoices should arrive late next week.

The council briefly discussed notifying nearby residents about noise from drilling; Don warned, “The drilling rig is very noisy,” and recommended neighbor outreach while drilling is active.

No formal vote on additional appropriations was recorded during the meeting; council agreed to proceed with contractor coordination and follow required state filing procedures.