Lynn Haven weighs $13M SRF offer versus $55M plant expansion as rate study continues

City staff told residents that the commission is evaluating two paths for addressing wastewater capacity: use available State Revolving Fund (SRF) money to expand local facilities, or become a wholesale customer to the county.

At the town hall, staff said the commission has accepted SRF funding eligibility of roughly $13 million for construction of a new influent pump station and headworks if needed, but "we haven't gotten the money" and no obligation to start repayments has been triggered. The city also approved a task order with the county to complete a rate study; that study will present scenarios (expand the existing plant or become a wholesale customer) for both commissions to review.

Officials said an outstanding appropriation of $1.67 million remains available through 2028 and could be applied toward headworks and pump-station work if the city chooses local construction. Staff estimated that a full expansion of the plant would carry a much larger price tag (figures discussed in the meeting were on the order of tens of millions; $55 million was cited as an example by a participant) and called the impending decision "probably the largest financial decision this commission is going to have to make." The commission expects the rate study results and scenario workshops to come before both the city and county commissions later this year, with a formal decision anticipated by the end of the year.

No formal commitment to borrow SRF funds or proceed with a specific construction contract was made at the town hall; staff emphasized that next steps hinge on the rate study and on additional engineering and public engagement.