Several major city projects that took place in 2018 will continue in 2019.
City Manager Mark McAnarney joined KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Thursday to update a raft of projects, including major infrastructure work across town. McAnarney expects paving work on 12th between Prairie and Grand, and he’s looking ahead to the construction of a new water tower in southeast Emporia.
The city also recently received a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant for a major sewer relining project starting next spring, and roughly two years of renovations to the Wastewater Treatment Plant should be ending by mid-spring.
2018 was busy for parks projects, with new equipment in Jones, Las Casitas and Peter Pan parks — including a new splash pad coming online next spring in Peter Pan Park. McAnarney says 2019 will see a cleanout of the pond at C of E Park as one of the highlights.
McAnarney also said the city will continue looking at how best to develop its currently unused parks, with the city considering potential uses on a case-by-case basis.
Financially, the city is in good shape as the calendar changes.
Residents will notice certain fee increases — eight percent to water, 10 percent to wastewater and five percent to solid waste. The total cost increase will be roughly $2 per fund for an average total increase of $6 a month starting New Year’s Day. Trash rates at the Emporia landfill will also see a slight increase from $8 to $10.
