Plans move forward at waterworks

Creston Water Works is continuing their plans for major construction projects, including the scheduled water distribution system improvement project and a planned lead service line replacement project.

The first resolution, detailing a water revenue loan and disbursement agreement of $218,000, was passed following a public hearing with no correspondence. The resolution issues water revenue bonds with a maximum principal amount of $218,000 to pay for planning, designing and constructing improvements.

These funds will move to a lead service line replacement, essentially getting the project ready for the bidding phase.

“This is the first step to getting this project to bid,” Creston Water Works General Manager Steve Guthrie said.

The second resolution set a public hearing regarding the scheduled water distribution system improvement project. On July 8, during their regular monthly meeting, the water works will hold another public hearing which will notify the public on a proposal to enter another water revenue loan and disbursement agreement with a principal amount not to exceed $6.25 million.

Guthrie said the waterworks is not anticipating they will be taking the full amount proposed in the max principal amount.

The waterworks, similar to other public entities, can’t borrow funds without a public hearing and notice. This process notifies the local community of where and how the funds being borrowed will be used.

Neither of these loans will be paid through taxation, instead being paid through the waterworks’ net revenues.

In other waterworks news...

Creston Water Works will assist with MidAmerican Energy’s proposed power plant in Orient. The waterworks will provide water for the energy generation of the plant, while SIRWA will provide water for domestic operations like bathrooms.

MidAmerican will conduct a public meeting on the project at the Orient-Macksburg Community School at 4 p.m. Wenesday, June 18.

Guthrie as general manager was approved to have authorization to approve change orders up to $35,000 for the water main improvement project. This will allow for smaller decisions in the project to be approved without board approval or special meetings.