Early council approves $4.5 million water loan, adopts water-treatment amendment; water-rate ordinance passes first reading

The Early City Council on July 6 voted to approve a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement authorizing the city to borrow up to $4,500,000 to support water system improvements. The measure was adopted as Resolution 21-15; the roll-call vote recorded Ayes from Councilors Tim Langner, Summer Schmitt, Brian Pickhinke and Steven Mason and an abstention from Councilor Bill Cougill. Mayor Sharon Ann Irwin declared the resolution adopted.

Councilors also unanimously adopted Resolution 21-16, approving Amendment 1 to the Water Treatment Facility Improvements project. The council approved a related motion to issue the construction notice to proceed on July 7, earlier than the August 2 date specified in the contract documents.

At the same meeting Councilor Bill Cougill introduced Ordinance 326, which would amend the city code governing water rates. The ordinance cleared its first reading by a 3–2 vote (Ayes: Cougill, Schmitt, Langner; Nays: Pickhinke, Mason). After the first reading the council approved an amendment to change the ordinance’s effective date from July 1, 2021, to August 1, 2021; that amendment passed on the same 3–2 margin. The ordinance will require subsequent readings and publication before any rate changes take effect.

The loan and treatment amendment are intended to fund water-treatment and system work described in the contract documents; specific project schedules and financing terms will proceed through staff and the council as the designs and bidding are finalized. The council recorded the votes and directed staff to follow established procurement and contracting procedures as the projects move forward.

The council is expected to consider additional ordinance readings and routine project updates at future meetings.