Mayor outlines infrastructure needs, flags $69 million wastewater project and possible $45—$50 monthly sewer increase

Mayor gave the state-of-the-city address, reporting on the city's infrastructure scale and upcoming projects. He said Preston maintains more than 30 miles of public streets and over 50 miles of culinary water lines, and noted several recent activity markers including 27 building permits and more than 1 billion gallons of sewage treated annually. The mayor highlighted a federally mandated wastewater treatment plant project now in its seventh year and estimated its cost at about $69,000,000.

"The cost of which will approximate $69,000,000," the mayor said, and he told residents the council has sought low-interest financing and plans to delay fee increases until project completion. He added that once the plant is certified, debt-service payments will begin and many residents who use the new West water wastewater treatment plant should expect a monthly sewer-bill increase of about $45 to $50 per month. The council said it has elected not to raise the fee until project completion to "lessen the burden of our citizens."

The mayor also announced a $3,750,000 federal grant, secured with the help of Congressman Simpson's office, to build a 2,000,000-gallon water tank that will increase culinary water storage by roughly 45 percent. Council members noted work with regional partners (CCOG) on downtown revitalization and a pending $500,000 grant application for downtown improvements.

Why it matters: the wastewater project and related financing will affect household utility costs and city budgeting for years; the water-tank grant is aimed at increasing storage and resilience amid regional growth. The council said it will continue public updates as project milestones and certification approach.