Ashland approves $10 million water and sewer revenue bond to fund pipeline and water projects

The Ashland Board of City Commissioners voted on June 11 to approve a $10 million water and sewer revenue bond (Series 2026A) to fund water-line replacement and related projects.

Mr. Wheeler introduced the ordinance authorizing issuance of bonds in a principal amount of $10,000,000 (amount may be increased by up to $100,000 or decreased). Commissioners discussed the need for a clear prioritized list of projects, staff capacity to start engineered projects immediately, and efforts to secure grant funds for larger work.

Staff described equipment orders and staffing constraints related to delivery schedules. According to staff, an excavator is available now, a trailer is a few months out, and a dump truck may take six to nine months to arrive; this affects how quickly in-house crews can complete replacements. Staff estimated the current prioritized list of projects could not be covered entirely by $10 million and said some larger projects would require contractors and additional grant funding.

Commissioners and staff also clarified that separate PAS settlement funds (about $2 million, referenced in discussion) are planned to cover raw-water intake work and will not be charged to the $10 million bond proceeds. After discussion, commissioners approved the bond by voice vote.

Commissioners requested a bullet-point synopsis of planned projects and a current timeline for equipment availability and staffing before the next implementation steps. Staff said they will provide updated project lists and timing as procurement and staffing progress.