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Wastewater expansion expected to cost $21.68 million
Staff Writer BAXTER -- The cost of expanding Brainerd's wastewater treatment facility plant to meet current and future capacity needs is anticipated to be $21,682,690, with Brainerd picking up two-thirds of the tab and Baxter one-third.
That was the focus of a report given by Brainerd Public Utilities financial adviser, St. Paul-based Springsted Inc., at Thursday's meeting of the Brainerd-Baxter Wastewater Treatment Plant Steering Committee at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Baxter office.
Springsted anticipated a total capacity for the expanded treatment facility to be 6 million gallons per day, with Brainerd's allocation at 4.3 million and Baxter's at 1.7 million, a point that concerned Baxter Public Works Director Trevor Walter because Baxter percentage of allocation didn't match its percentage of financial contribution.
"All I'm saying is if we pay one-third we should get one-third of the plant capacity," Walter said. "Keep it simple. We get 2 million (gallons per day) and Brainerd gets 4 million."
Bruce Kimmel, Springsted vice president, said Brainerd's $10,051,850 cost to meet current capacity needs would be paid for by fees and the city's $4,483,260 cost for future capacity needs would be paid for through connection charges. For Baxter's $7,147,580 current and future costs the city has identified the use of its local option sales tax, but so far the Legislature has yet to approve the tax.
How, or if, the capacity split would be adjusted will be discussed at a future steering committee meeting.
Timing of the wastewater treatment facility expansion also was discussed. The design of the plant is scheduled to happen from 2005-2007, with construction slated to begin in 2007 and the facility working by 2009. But before that can happen the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency needs a resolution from both cities that they will proceed forward as partners or separately.
However, at its June 8 meeting, the Baxter City Council authorized a $14,000 feasibility study to find out how much it would cost the city to develop its own wastewater treatment plant. Walter expected the study to be completed by Aug. 1. During that time, Tom Phelps, Brainerd Public Utilities superintendent, said the public utilities would continue to work on the facility design, which could be amended if Baxter opts not to participate with Brainerd.
The next steering committee meeting was scheduled for 9 a.m. July 7. On the agenda for that meeting will be existing flow requests from the city of Baxter, amendments to the current wastewater treatment agreement between the two cities, a summarization of other joint wastewater facility agreements from cities around the state and what would be Baxter's participation. At past joint meetings between the two cities Baxter officials have said they want a measure of control and responsibility in the design, financing and capital improvements of a joint facility.
MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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