Board authorizes Bowman Consulting sewer master plan and funds it from utility reserves

The board approved work with Bowman Consulting to develop a sewer master plan/business case that will assess current wastewater infrastructure, capacity constraints, and three alternatives: continue with HRSD as now, phased county acquisition and operation, or a shared utility model. Staff said the work would take roughly 24 weeks and be funded from utility reserves; the estimated cost of the study is approximately $103,000.

"We would assess current infrastructure. We would look at opportunities. We would rely heavily on the comprehensive plan and the growth corridors..." staff said when outlining the scope. Board members discussed timing with the budget season and HRSD's role; the motion to enter the agreement and request appropriation from utility operating reserves was seconded and approved by roll call.