After almost ten years of planning, a sewer system that is nearing capacity, and continued residential and business development on the city’s east side, Washington’s City Council voted to move forward with improvements to the sewer system. Richard Burch of Midwestern Engineers reviewed plans to install a new lift station, upgrades to the sewer system, and a second sanitation plant on the east side of Washington. Burch estimated the entire project will cost approximately $30 million. Chris Janak of Bowes McKinney and Scott Miller of Baker Tilly reviewed the legal process and financing of the project. Everyone agreed the city’s back is against the wall and the need for the project is pressing. Funding for the project will come through a bond issue, but Miller told the council that Washington is in a good financial position and projected that any needed rate increases to help fund the project could be phased in over a period of time. Plans are for construction on the new plant to begin in 2027.
The council also heard a report from Bob Grewe, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation. Grewe said that M&C Tech, located on the city’s east side, had optioned to purchase 6 acres with prospects for plant expansion. Grewe also said the Economic Development Corporation is looking at how to repurpose the former drive-through bank building on SE Second Street. Grew also discussed economic projects throughout the county.
In other business, the council voted to amend the encumbered fund report, park superintendent Kip Kelley reported the new equipment has been installed at the swimming pool, and Mayor Rhoads reminded everyone about the public meeting to review the proposed ordinance regarding safety inspections of rental properties. The public meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on March 19.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Rhoads asked that everyone remember former Mayor Tom Baumert, who passed away Sunday evening. After the council meeting, Rhoads talked about Baumert, who served the city as a police officer, police chief, and four-term mayor.
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next City Council and Board of Works meetings will be held on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 pm.
Following the council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety met. The board approved the recommendation of Street Commissioner Aaron Mullen to award the contract for this year’s CCMG road paving to Milestone. Mullen discussed previous problems the city had with Milestone but said he felt the problems had been worked out.
The board also heard a review of the city’s employment handbook by City Attorney Tim Dant. Dant reviewed disciplinary levels and that the city’s employee policies outlined in the handbook also extend to outside employment. After the Dant’s review of city policies, the board voted to immediately terminate city employee Steve Truelove for his DUI charges while driving a Washington Catholic school bus with students on board.
