The Jefferson city council at its March 10 took the final actions on the wastewater treatment plant upgrades. The council approved payment to Shank Constructors of all funds retained – $183,945.16, and final acceptance of the project.
Final cost for the upgrades, which were mandated by the state, was $18,394,000. The project was first estimated at $15 million. After the bid process 2-1/2 years ago, the estimate was $17 million. Change orders throughout construction, many of which were needed to comply with state regulations, accounted for most of the overrun.
City administrator Scott Peterson said the city will be paying debt on the project for 20 years, at which time the city will be looking at building a totally new wastewater treatment plant, most likely at a new site.
The council approved a preliminary official statement (POS) for the sale of up to $2 million in general obligation bonds for sidewalk work, a new firetruck, and an asphalt overlay on McKinley St.
The council had approved issuing the bonds in February 2025. The council will take action to sell the bonds at its March 24 meeting. Repayment of the bonds will be through the city’s debt levy.
The council approved amending a façade grant for the Public House from $60,000 to $62,834.25.
The council also entered into a 5-year agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for maintenance of state roads within the city limits, primarily Hwy 4 (Elm St.) The agreement is not new, but is renewed every five years. Councilman Darren Jackson, the city’s representative on the public library board of trustees, reported that Studio Melee will show its design for the $4 million library expansion project Monday, April 13, at 5:30 pm in the municipal building council room. The meeting will be posted as a special council meeting; the public is encouraged to attend.
