The Emporia City Commission on Wednesday discussed a potential money saving avenue over the next decade as it looks to tackle a number of water fund projects.
Emporia Public Works Director Frank Abart presented a list of 33 potential projects that need attention between 2019 and 2029 totaling $27.3 million. Because of the sheer cost of the projects, the city would be required to borrow funds to finance them. Abart says essentially this is a first step toward locking in a lower interest rate.
Five projects are on the potential list for funding next year including a water line project at 9th Ave. and Elm Street, a presedimentation basin, roof repairs on the operation and chemical feeds buildings, rehabilitation and replacement of the 1994 building services pump station and SCADA system upgrades for the water plant. There is an Oct. 31 deadline to apply for the state revolving loan funds and Abart says they would know by the end of the year if the city gets approved for the cost-saving measure.
In other business Wednesday morning, the city commission got a clean audit from April Swartz with Varney & Associates on the 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The board also discussed a possible merger of the Human Relations Commission with the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Community Services Officer Shelly Kelley noted this would cut out duplication of services and create more efficiency.
The Emporia City Commission’s next action meeting is slated for Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
