NORTH MANCHESTER - The North Manchester Town Council held public hearings for the 2024 budget and a preliminary engineering report (PER) for a proposed wastewater project to take place before 2028.
Jeremy Hardy, of Commonwealth Engineers, presented the PER, which evaluates the present condition and future needs of the town's collection systems and wastewater treatment plant. To remain in compliance with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the town must make certain improvements by 2028.
Hardy said the only feasible option for the collection system improvement is to add a new Mill Street interceptor and a new Sycamore Street lift station at a cost of $3.4 million.
Among the three improvement alternatives for the wastewater treatment plan, the most cost-effective option involves new aeration basins and long-term control plan improvements at a total present worth of $23.5 million.
The council will use this PER as they submit an application for a USDA grant to help fund the total project cost, estimated at $28,543,000.
Hardy spoke on how monthly user rates could change depending on project funding scenarios. The current household minimum for North Manchester's wastewater utility is $32.05 per month. If the project uses 100% loan funding, the estimated monthly user rate would be $58.65. If the project is funded 75% by grant funding, the user rate would be $40.85.
The current project timeline shows construction beginning in March 2027 and ending December 2028.
Following the public hearings, the council approved the PER, grant application and 2024 budget as advertised in Gateway.
The council also approved a $10,000-per-year donation for three years to the Community Foundation of Wabash County for their early childhood program.
In other business, Vice President Laura Rager read the Constitution Week proclamation.
The council will next meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 4.